THE “PEARL OF THE AEGEAN – IZMIR”

Izmir (approx. 3.5 million inhabitants) is located on the Turkish Aegean coast and is the third largest city in Türkiye after Istanbul and Ankara.

Founded as early as 3000 BC, Izmir is one of the oldest cities in the world. In antiquity, the city bore the Greek name Smyrna. The Turks affectionately call Izmir the “Pearl of the Aegean”.

Izmir is home to the second largest port in Türkiye after Istanbul.

Izmir International Airport (Adnan Menderes Airport) is located approximately 18 km south of the city. Besides numerous museums, Izmir also boasts a state theater and a state opera house with a renowned orchestra.

This demonstrates that the city is also a top player culturally. To underscore its importance, Izmir has applied to host Expo 2015.

In conclusion: For those who want to experience more than just sun and sand on their Turkish holiday, but also culture, bazaars, and authentic Turkish city life, a trip to or stay in Izmir is highly recommended. Autumn and spring offer the most pleasant climate for exploring the city.

Izmir: Sun, shopping, history, culture. Enjoy your time in Izmir during your treatment.

Thanks to its 5,000-year history, there is much to see. The city’s landmark is the Clock Tower in Izmir’s harbor. This beautiful 25-meter-high marble tower was gifted to the city by Sultan Abdülhamid II in 1901. Another attraction is the Agora, the central square of the ancient city of Smyrna. This square served as a marketplace and was also an important religious center for the city’s community. The history of the partially preserved Agora of Izmir can be explored in an open-air museum.

There are nine synagogues in Izmir, located either in the traditional Jewish quarter of Karata or in Havra Sokak (Synagogue Street) in Kemeralti. They all bear the mark of 19th-century builders, as they were either constructed during this period or rebuilt on the foundations of earlier buildings.

Izmir has several museums worth visiting. The Ethnographic Museum (currently closed) is housed in a former hospital and depicts typical life in the 19th century. Right next door is the Archaeological Museum, which displays some of the country’s most important finds, including significant statues, glass, ceramics, and mosaics.

History and present, sea and sun embrace each other in Izmir.

Swisslasik.ch wishes you a wonderful holiday in Izmir.