TRAVEL: Pearl of Aegean: Izmir – Turkey
July 17, 2008 – 4:19 pm
Travelling in Izmir – Turkey
Turkey is a suitable country for tourism with its geography; it is a bridge between Asia and Europe. There are many sightseeing places, sea sides, historical places, museums, mosques, churches all around the seven geographic zones of Turkey. Aegean is just one of them and the biggest city of Aegean, Izmir is named as “Pearl of Aegean”.
Info about Izmir
Izmir is a historical sea city; It is thought that the city has been inhabited by people for centuries. The historical name of the city is Smyrna. It is the third most populous city of Turkey near beautiful Aegean Sea. The city is rich with mosques, churches, museums, natural parks, aqua parks, sea side places, historical bazaars and many other places worth to visit. Clock tower found in the center of the city is the symbol of it; if you go there you can see many historical buildings, towers, pavilions and houses. The architecture is very rich. You can visit and shop in historical bazaar Kemeralti, it is a good place to buy traditional things. Every year International Fair is held, the fair hosts many countries from all around the world, meeting with new cultures, different people are possible in this fair.
It is the city of tolerance, the population consists of Turk, Greek and other small groups and they live in peace together, they share daily life, everyone is free in their life, in their beliefs. That is what makes city Izmir so lovely and modern.
Sea sides and museums are great heritages of pearl of Aegean. In order to go sea side, you pass from here, Kusadasi, Didim, Cesme are just some of the famous tourism centers near Izmir. Ancient city Ephesus is a place that you should see; there is one of the seven world wonders in this city, the temple of Artemis.
Transportation to city and from city is easy; there is a big airport, bus terminals, and railway options within the city. There are also ferry transportation and subway network in the city. From here, you can easily reach any point you wish.
Ephesus Ancient City
A world wide famous Anatolian city! Its establishment goes back to centuries ago; it is thought that the city was founded in 6th BC. The city is near to Aegean Sea, it is easy to access from Izmir. Ephesus consists of churches, a big library, temples, a great theater, baths, rooms, and these are only what we can see. Not the entire city was found, the excavations are still continuing.
For Christianity, it is an important place to visit. Ephesus is mentioned in New Testament; Saint Paul spent some years there, he wrote there, The Apostle John also lived in Ephesus, many churches can be visited and the House of Virgin Mary is very near to this city. This house is believed to be the last place Mary lived.
Great historical ruins are found in Ephesus, the Library of Celsus is one of the major scenes, and Roman impact can be seen in this library; imagine having such a great library centuries ago! How difficult and how incredible! If you go to Ephesus, you can also see one of the seven wonders of world, the Temple of Artemis. The temple is not in good situation, only some columns came to our century, but the scene is still great and mysterious.
For further info visit Izmir tourism page
Watch the video of Ephesus
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