Turkey · Pearl of the Aegean
이즈미르
Turkey
3,152,090
3rd Largest, Aegean Coast
TRT (UTC+3)
Izmir, known as the "Pearl of the Aegean," is Turkey's third-largest city with a population of 3,152,090. Situated on the stunning Aegean coastline, this historic metropolis boasts a more relaxed, progressive atmosphere compared to Istanbul, earning its reputation as one of Turkey's most liberal and secular cities. The city stretches along the beautiful Gulf of Izmir, with a picturesque waterfront promenade (Kordonboyu) that has become the heart of urban life, lined with cafes, restaurants, and palm trees.
Economically, Izmir contributes significantly to Turkey's prosperity with a GDP per capita of $11,443 and accounting for 6.6% of the nation's GDP. The services sector dominates at 67.7%, reflecting the city's role as a commercial, educational, and tourism hub. The Port of Izmir is Turkey's second-largest port after Istanbul, handling 600,000 TEU annually with capacity for 1.3 million TEU, making it crucial for Turkey's import-export trade. The city hosts major trade fairs, international businesses, and is home to prestigious universities that attract students from across Turkey and beyond.
Izmir serves as the gateway to some of the ancient world's most spectacular ruins, most notably Ephesus, located 80 kilometers south of the city. This proximity to ancient Greek and Roman sites, combined with Izmir's own historical significance as ancient Smyrna, makes it a crucial destination for history enthusiasts. The city perfectly balances its glorious past with modern Turkish life—from the sprawling Kemeralti Bazaar with over 5,000 shops to contemporary shopping centers, from ancient agora ruins to trendy seafront neighborhoods. Izmir's Mediterranean climate, cosmopolitan culture, and stunning coastal setting make it one of Turkey's most livable and welcoming cities.
Located 80 kilometers south of Izmir, Ephesus is one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities and Turkey's most visited archaeological site. This magnificent Greek and Roman city features the stunning Library of Celsus, a 25,000-seat ancient theater, and remarkably preserved marble streets. Once home to the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), Ephesus offers an unparalleled journey into classical antiquity.
A vast historic market district with over 5,000 shops, incredibly larger than Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar. Dating back centuries, Kemeralti combines traditional covered bazaar sections selling carpets, jewelry, and leather goods with a sprawling wet market offering fresh produce, spices, and seafood. The bazaar remains the commercial heart of Izmir, where locals and tourists navigate labyrinthine alleyways filled with authentic Turkish commerce.
The iconic symbol of Izmir, standing proudly in Konak Square since 1901. This elegant Ottoman-era clock tower was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdulhamid II's accession. Featuring four fountains at its base and ornate Ottoman architectural details, the 25-meter tall tower serves as the city's most recognizable landmark and a popular meeting point in the heart of Izmir.
A beautiful 18th-century Ottoman-style mosque located adjacent to the Clock Tower in Konak Square. The mosque features elegant tile work, a single minaret, and a square base topped with a large dome. Despite being relatively small, its prime location and distinctive octagonal shape make it one of Izmir's most photographed religious buildings, representing the city's Islamic architectural heritage.
Izmir's beloved waterfront promenade stretching several kilometers along the Aegean coastline. This palm-lined boulevard is where locals gather for evening strolls, jogging, cycling, and socializing at countless cafes and restaurants with sea views. Kordonboyu captures the essence of Izmir's lifestyle—relaxed, outdoors-oriented, and Mediterranean—making it the social and recreational heart of the city, especially beautiful at sunset.
An ancient hilltop castle overlooking Izmir, originally built by Alexander the Great's general Lysimachus around 290 BCE. Though largely in ruins, Kadifekale offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire city, gulf, and surrounding mountains. The site represents layers of history from Hellenistic through Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, making it significant for understanding Izmir's strategic importance throughout millennia.
Izmir's economy is robust and diversified, with a GDP per capita of $11,443 contributing 6.6% to Turkey's total GDP. The services sector dominates at 67.7%, encompassing trade, tourism, education, healthcare, and finance. The Port of Izmir, Turkey's second-largest, handles 600,000 TEU annually with capacity for 1.3 million TEU, serving as a vital gateway for Turkey's imports and exports. The city hosts the Izmir International Fair, one of the oldest trade fairs in the world, attracting international businesses. Manufacturing remains important, particularly in food processing, textiles, and petrochemicals. The presence of major universities including Ege University and Dokuz Eylul University contributes to a knowledge-based economy, fostering innovation and attracting young talent to the region.
Culturally, Izmir is known as Turkey's most cosmopolitan, liberal, and secular city, with a long tradition of tolerance and diversity. Historically home to significant Greek, Jewish, Armenian, and Levantine communities, Izmir maintains a Mediterranean openness reflected in its cafe culture, arts scene, and social attitudes. The city takes pride in its archaeological heritage, with museums showcasing artifacts from ancient Smyrna and surrounding sites. Izmir's cuisine emphasizes Aegean flavors—fresh seafood, olive oil-based dishes, and local wines from nearby vineyards. The city hosts cultural festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year. The waterfront lifestyle centered on Kordonboyu represents Izmir's character: relaxed, social, and outward-looking. Unlike more conservative parts of Turkey, Izmir embraces secular modern Turkish identity while respecting its rich multicultural past, making it a unique cultural bridge in contemporary Turkey.
Izmir's history extends back at least 5,000 years to ancient Smyrna, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Mediterranean. Founded by Greeks around 3000 BCE, the city became an important Ionian settlement and was mentioned by Homer, who may have lived there. Ancient Smyrna thrived as a major port and commercial center through Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The city was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, most notably by Alexander the Great's successors around 300 BCE on its current location. Under Roman rule, Smyrna was one of the wealthiest cities in Asia Minor, famous for its sciences, medicine, and beautiful architecture.
The Ottomans captured Izmir in the 15th century, and the city flourished as a cosmopolitan port with Greek, Armenian, Jewish, and Levantine communities conducting international trade. By the 19th century, Izmir was the Ottoman Empire's most Westernized city. Following World War I and the Ottoman collapse, Izmir was occupied by Greece in 1919, leading to the Turkish War of Independence. The city was liberated by Turkish forces under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on September 9, 1922, a date still celebrated annually. Tragically, a devastating fire destroyed much of the city shortly after liberation. Modern Izmir was rebuilt and has grown into Turkey's third-largest city while maintaining its progressive character. Today's Izmir honors its multilayered past—from ancient Smyrna's ruins to Ottoman mosques to the secular republic's values—while looking toward the future as a modern Mediterranean metropolis.
Bureau Chief 지원자는 물론, Izmir를 방문하시는 모든 분들을 위해
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