Izmir, an ancient Lady, 5,000 years in age, is one of the most numerously inhabited turkish cities with a very efficient port, in the Aegean Sea, not far from Izmir Gulf, where live nearly 4,000,000 people.
At present Izmir or the pearl of Aegean as commonly known, is a bustling and modern young city, increasingly stepping into european life style, though preserving its original character and long cultural tradition!
Specialties are the tarhana soup whose essential ingredients are tomatoes and yoghurt; zerde, rice with saffron, keskek, meat & wheat boiled.
The climate can be considered a mild one and in summer sea breezes temper the sun's heat and get the air cooler.
Archaeological Museum
This museum houses many fine sculptures and antiquities discovered in Izmir and other neighboring ancient cities. This place exhibits an impressive collection of ancient and Roman artifacts recovered from area excavations, including Bergama, Iasos, Bayrakli (Izmir's original settlement), and Izmir's Agora.
Asansor
The Asansör quarter is named after the 19th-century passenger elevator installed to provide access between the upper and lower levels of this hilly neighborhood. The view from the cafe, 50m (167 ft.) up, is as good as anything on the Amalfi Coast.
Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower)
This elegant monument which was constructed in 1901, decorates Konak Square and has become the symbol of the city of Izmir . Commanding Konak Square, this elaborately decorated clock tower has become the symbol of Izmir. Designed in a late Ottoman Moorish style, the Clock Tower was presented to the city by Sultan Abdülhamid in 1901 and stands over 24m (80 ft.) high.
