Izmır
City in western Turkey with 2.2 million inhabitants (2004 estimate), situated on the sea, at Gulf of Izmir which is connected to the Aegean Sea. It is Turkey's 3rd largest city and the capital of Izmir province with 3.4 million inhabitants (2004 estimate). The area of Izmir is one of Turkey's most densely populated areas.
Izmir is one of the most important commercial and industrial centres of Turkey, producing dyes, soaps, textiles, foodstuffs, tobacco, cement and cotton and woolen textiles. There are also petrochemical and engineering works. Carpets, silk, foodstuffs and minerals are the most important products sold to other parts of Turkey or exported. Izmir is also the site of the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's command for land forces in southeastern Europe.
Modern Izmir stretches from the innermost point of the gulf and over the heights and ridges to the south. It consists of wide avenues and modern buildings. Izmir consists of many distinct centres and suburbs. Among the landmarks is the agora and the ancient aqueducts of Kizilcullu. The famous site of Ephesus lies 50 km to the south.
Izmir has excellent connections with other parts of Turkey, both by air, rail and road. Manisa 25 km northeast,Aydin is 100 km southeast, Bursa 350 km northeast and Istanbul 650 km northeast.
Izmir has a university, the Aegean University founded in 1955, and a teacher-training school. There are also some important museums, especially the Archaeological Museum, which has a fine collection of local antiquities, and the Ethnographic Museum.
Don't Leave Without
- Visiting Birgi Cakiraga Mansion, Kızlarağası Han, and Asansör,
- Stepping into the past in Izmir Archaeology Museum, Ataturk Museum, Kordonboyu and Kemeralti Bazaar.
- Tasting Izmir’s famous meatballs in the Asansor Restaurant.
- Buying tasty local dried figs and sultanas
- Shopping for Ödemis Silk (Pembizar), hand-painted handkerchiefs and Görece blue beads,
- Visiting the International Izmir Festival.
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