100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 96 | THE NATURAL LIFE
A belde (large village) that is famous with its pinewoods: Gölcük
This plateau in Bozdağlar surrounding the Ödemiş district is also famous with its lake. The lake lies in the middle of this plateau, whose surrounding is covered with pinewoods. With its clear weather, accommodation facilities, and camping areas for sport clubs, Gölcük is a completely natural paradise.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 14 | ON THE TRACK OF AMAZONS
Take a look at the panoramic view of Izmir: Kadifekale
Kadifekale is an area where the town was re-established around Pagos (the Kadife Hill) – except the old Izmir (Smyrna) in Tepekule. There are some ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Era that have remained protected in this town established in the 4th Century BC to the present time. It is rumored that Amazon women who lived in Kadifekale, which allows a panoramic view of Izmir and the whole bay, came to the coastal areas of the River Meles and reigned over there for years.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 28 | CALM CITY SEFERIHISAR
A Peaceful Holiday: Sıgacık
Sıgacık, which takes place in the Turkey' first Cittaslow, Seferihisar, is a coast neighborhood once visited by Evliya Celebi. It belongs to Teos, which is an ancient city built up by the God of wine, Dionysos. Teos is one of the 12 Ion city and today, it is a touristic place with its beautiful castle, beach and weather.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 16 | FOOD AND DRINK JOY
Beer and Mussel on Kordon
One of the most important rituals of Izmir is laying on Kordon with beer and mussel. There are also numerous restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars. It is an ideal place for joy.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 23 | SHOPPING CENTRE
Shopping in an Historical Structure Near Sea: Konak Pier
Konak Pier, which is designed by the famous French architect Gustav Eiffel, has been turned into a shopping centre in 2003. It is an important structure in Izmir with its historical atmosphere, unique architecture and original stores and restaurants.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 25 | ARCHITECTURAL VALUE / RELIGIOUS STRUCTURE
The oldest and biggest mosque in Izmir: Hisar Mosque
The Hisar Mosque constructed in 1597 with the order of Yakup Bey from the Aydinid Dynasty is the oldest and biggest mosque in Izmir. It also draws attention with its attractive architecture.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 36 | LIVELY LIFE
Free World of Animals: Izmir Natural Life Park
Turkey's first natural life park takes place in Sasalı, Cigli. It is created as the natural atmosphere of animals where they can live freely. What's more, there are many of tree and plant species.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 81 | GREEK CHURCH
The single Greek Church that remains undamaged from the fire: The Ayavukla Church
Located in Basmane and constructed by Greek-Orthodox population in Izmir in the 19th Century, the Ayavukla Church is the one Greek Church that remains undamaged from the Great Fire of Smyrna in 1922. Used today as a culture center, this historical church has two premises: one of them is used as the Press Museum and the other as a memorial house where the collections of the renowned Izmirian fashion designers, Hanife Çetiner and Esin Yıldız, are exhibited.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 12 | TOURISTIC VILLAGE
A Village with its authentic kitchens and wine houses: Şirince
Most of the old historical houses in the Şirince village, which was established on the valley among the mountains in the North of Selçuk and dates back to 150 years ago, still remain unspoilt. The Şirince Village where the old houses have been restored and subsequently transformed into hostels arouses interest with its authentic kitchens, wine houses, restaurants as well as its nature.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 47 | AEGEAN CUISINE
Local Tastes in Artisan Restaurants
There are different kinds of restaurants in Kemeralti which serve Aegean cuisine. Milk thistle, elflock, artichoke are some of the olive oil dishes. If you are interested in Aegean cuisine, you should have a look at this list; Historical Kısmet Restaurant, Historical Guven Restaurant and Billur Restaurant.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 9 | JESUS’S MOST BELOVED APOSTLE
In the search of faith: The Basilica of St. John
This basilica constructed by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian is one of the most splendid constructions and the tomb of the St. John, Jesus’s most beloved apostile, is located at the bottom side of this basilica.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 20 | OTTOMAN INN
A Structure Protects Its Historical Atmosphere: Kızlaragası Inn
Kızlaragası Inn, which is built in 1744, has importance of being a unique structure among the Ottoman Inns. It provides its visitors shopping and resting opportunities in the historical atmosphere. In the upstairs, handmade products are available. Kızlaragası is the most huge and sublime inn in Izmir.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 2 | CULTURAL DIVERSITY
The biggest agora of the world that is situated in the city center is in Izmir.
The Agora of Smyrna is the biggest State Agora all over the world that has been excavated up to the present time. In this agora established in the Hellenistic Period, most ruins that have reached today belong to the agora of the Roman Period that is – after the earthquake in 178 AD. - reconstructed with the contributions of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 88 | LOCAL PRODUCTS/SHOPPING
Odemis Bazaar
On Saturdays, there is a huge bazaar set up in Odemis. It is known that the bazaar has 110 years history. It includes different kinds of fruits and vegetables and some local tastes such as dried figs, grapes, dry cottege cheese, hard bicuit and chestnut. In the women bazaar, you can find hand loom, silk handkerchief, lace and some kind of handmade products. What's more, in the historical Arasta, you can find felt and almost extinct handicraft examples. Tongul flat bread, crisp flaky pastry and special meatball are the traditional tastes of Odemis.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 18 | THE SYMBOLIC CONSTRUCTION
An architectural value: The Clock Tower
Izmir Clock Tower, the Symbol of Izmir, was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Abdülhamid II’s accession to the throne. Situated in the Konak Square, the Clock Tower is 25 m high.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 1 | RICH HISTORY
The Ephesus Ancient City where one of the seven wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis, is situated.
The establishment of the Ephesus Ancient City dates back to around 6000 BC, in other words, to the Neolithic Period. It is believed that Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus, came together with St. Jean to the Ephesus Ancient City and spent the last years of her life there.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 46 | SHOPPING
Karşıyaka Bazaar Street
You can find every kind of stores in the Karşıyaka Bazaar Street. This Bazaar Street is also an attractive shopping destination with its food & beverage shops, cáfes and various kiosks.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 29 | HISTORY, SEA AND SUN
A coastal district: Foça (Phokaia)
As a coastal district with its beaches and bays, Foça is an important destination for “Blue Tours” or other sightseeing tours. When it firstly came out as an ancient Ionian city, it was named after Phokaia because of the seals that live in the surrounding seas, and today, this word has come as Foça into use. In Foça, in which there are many historical and touristic places, you can see Siren Rocks mentioned by Homer as well as the historical houses and places remained from the Ottoman Era and different civilizations and fish restaurants.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 4 | NATURAL RICHNESS
The place where the blue of the sea coincides with the green of trees: Beaches.
The holiday paradises such as Foça (Phokaia), Kuşadası, Çeşme are one hour far from the center of city. The sea of Izmir has 45 beaches with blue flag und is quite suitable for various sport activities such as windsurf, kitesurf etc.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 24 | 200-YEARS-OLD INN
Favorite address for shopping and food & beverage: Abacıoğlu Inn
The Abalıoğlu Inn, which is known to have a 200-years-old background, is an important attraction center with its restaurants, souvenir shops, leather shops and cafes. Located on the right side of the Anafartalar Avenue, which lies from Başdurak Mosque in Kemeraltı to Arasta, this inn is a historical place on the streets of Kemeraltı.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 7 | AN IMPORTANT STOP IN RELIGION HISTORY
A Place of Pilgrimage for Christians: House of Virgin Mary
It is the church, in which it is believed Virgin Mary and St. Jean lived together in the last years of Virgin Mary, takes place in Bulbuldag, Selcuk.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 26 | TURKISH BATH
Time to Relief
İzmir is a place full of important historical Turkish baths. Some of the most popular ones are the Historical Karatas Bath, Karantina Bath, Yesildirek Bath, Civici Bath, Cukur Bath and Istankoy Bath.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 37 | THE SYMBOL OF IZMIR
Give it a try: Boyoz
It is a taste special to Izmir which dates back to 1492. Boyoz is made by unleavened dough and with its popularity, it becomes the symbol taste of Izmir. One of the best stop to have Boyoz is Alsancak Dostlar Fırını.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 5 | OTTOMAN INFLUENCES
Kızlarağası Inn, an Ottoman Inn with unique architectural design.
This historical two-floor inn constructed in 1744 was one of the important trade center during the Ottoman Era. Today, the Kızlarağası Inn with its 200 stores is the most important inn in Izmir.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 58 | TASTE
Local cuisine: Izmir Meatball
Izmir Meatball is a popular meal in Turkey. It is baked with patato, tomato and pepper. This meal is a must eat.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 32 | THE NATURAL LIFE
The region to be visited yearly by 50 thousand birds: Izmir Bird Paradise
Izmir Bird Paradise is one of the most important wetland areas so that 205 endangered bird varieties such as Dalmatian pelican, crimson wing flamingos, Eurasian kingfisher, gray and black storks etc. dwell on the saltpan of Camaltı in Izmir. Visited yearly by 50 thousand birds, this region is located on the migration route of birds.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 8 | A MUSEUM WITH A WEALTH OF CIVILIZATIONS
The track of different civilizations is in a single place: The Ephesus Museum
Holding the important pieces from the Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Era as well as hosting the cultural events, the Ephesus Museum is one of the most important museums in Turkey

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 3 | TRADE ROUTE
A visit to the historical Kemeraltı Bazaar
The historical bazaar constructed in the shape of a bow has uninterruptedly preserved its commercial aspect of 7000 years. The bazaar contains with over 14 thousand stores most cultural and historical heritage of Izmir in itself.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 43 | JOY
Historical Elevator
Constructed in 1907 by the Jewish business man “Nesim Levi (Bayraklıoğlu) and enabling quick and easy transport between Mithatpaşa Avenue and Halil Rıfat Paşa Avenue, the historical elevator is today mainly used as an entertainment, cultural and recreation venue. You can reach there by passing through the Dario Moreno Street and take a panoramic view of Izmir.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 22 | HISTORICAL BAZAAR
Architectural Value: Kavaflar Bazaar
Constructed in 1929 and located on the Fevzi Paşa Avenue, Kavaflar Bazaar is one of the important bazaars in Izmir. The stores on both sides in a historical atmosphere enhance the joy of shopping.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 45 | CULTURE ART AND ENTERTAINMENT
Kültürpark
In Kültürpark featured by the Izmir International Fair, there are many art and artistic venues such as exhibition halls, art centers, Art and Sculpture Museum, Izmir History and Art Museum as well as entertainment places such as funfair, parachute tower, youth theatre, running track, sport hall, tennis courts. Having the green areas with over 8000 trees, Kültürpark provides visitors with oxygen-rich air.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 50 | AGAMENNON HOT SPRINGS WITH 2500 YEARS HISTORY
Izmir Balcova Thermal Hotel
Thermal Hotel provides thermal spring and cure opportunities with its special Agamennon Hot Springs which has 2500 years history. It is a touristic point in Izmir and also a cure centre depending on the agreement with Norway Ministry of Health which provides 1100-1300 rheumatic patient to be treated.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 13 | THE ANCIENT CITY: TEPEKULE
Findings that belong to the Trojan, Yortan and Hittite civilizations: Tepekule (The Old Izmir).
This is the first establishment site of Smyrna (Izmir). It is located in the northeast of the Izmir Bay. The excavation activities still continue in Tepekule, where there are many ruins such as the remains of the King Tantalus’s tomb. Dating back to the 7th Century BC, the Megaron-type houses and the King Tantalus’s tomb are among the important architectural remains.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 35 | THE STRUCTURES OF SELJUQ AND OTTOMAN PERIOD
Civil Architecture: Birgi
Birgi is a village which takes place in Odemis. It is a worth seeing place in Izmir with its civil architecture from 18th and 19th Century. Birgi is full of historical structures which belong to Seljuq and Ottoman period.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 17 | SHOPPING TIME
A Tour in Alsancak
Gul Avenue, Kıbrıs Sehitleri Street and Gundogdu Square, which are almost the symbols of Izmir, are the most alive places in Izmir with their cafes and shops.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 6 | HISTORICAL HERITAGE
"Death is not allowed in" is written on the door: Pergamo Asklepion Archaeological Site
In 4th Century B.C., Asklepion Health and Cure Centre was built. It was dedicated to Asklepious, who is the God of health and medicine in mythology. Today, this place is one of the important touristic points of Pergamo. This ancient health centre Asklepion's physical therapy methods are still used nowadays.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 44 | AN IMPORTANT STOP IN RELIGIOUS TOURISM
Saint Polycarpe Church
Being one of the first students of Saint Yuhanna and Patriarch of Izmir, St. Polycarpe lives in the years between 69-155. St. Polycarpe Church, which is one of the most important structures in Izmir, is built dedicated to him. Today, it is a remarkable structure with its frescos which belong to French artist Raymond C. Pere.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 42 | ART IN STREET
Urla Art Street
Urla Art Street is full of Turkish handicrafts, art of ceramic, painters, special design stores, art galleries and cafes. It embraces all art-lovers with exhibitions, concerts, theaters, work shops and conversations.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 49 | HIDDEN PARADISE: TIRE
Traditional Tuesday Market
Tire, 80 km far away from Izmir, is popular with its market that is opened on Tuesdays and one of the biggest open bazaars. Tire is also popular with its “Şiş Köfte” (Meatballs on Skewers – also called as Tire Köfte), the Keşkek meal and roasted vegetable meals. You can also buy “Peştamal” (loincloths) made by specially-woven fabrics. Especially this woven that is known as “Tire Peşkiri” became very popular in the Ottoman Era.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 39 | GET ENOUGH OF COFFEE
Pleasure of Turkish Coffee
The best place to have a mortar coffee, cooked in cup, is Kızlaragası Inn. Its taste is different from coffee, cooked in pot.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 10 | TOURISM OF BELIEF
Learning Different Stories in Selcuk: Seven Asleeps
It is the cave, in which seven Christian youth took shelter while escaping from pagans' cruelty in the time one of the The Late Roman emperor Decius.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 41 | LOCAL TASTE
A Sandwich Special to Izmir: Kumru
Kumru, a kind of sandwich, is one of the tastes special to İzmir. Its dough is alike turkish bagels' dough which is made by sopping in sesame. It can be served with tulum cheese, tomato and green pepper inside.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 11 | ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY
One of the Unique Work of Arcitecture History: Isa Bey Mosque
It takes place in Selcuk, between Artemis Temple and Saint Jean Church. It is built by Aydinoglu Isa Bey in 1375. It is one of the most ancient and sublime work which is belonged to Anatolian Chiefdom period.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 31 | CITY OF MOTHER GODDESS
Most Beautiful Examples of Marble: Metropolis
Metropolis Ancient City, which dates back to 3th Century B.C., is known as the city of Mother Goddess. Metropolis is known as an important art centre with its unique works of sculptor from Hellenistic Period. Especially the theather, which is totally made by marble, is one of the most beautiful example of marble workmanship of that period.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 38 | SURF-FUN
Stone houses are worth-seeing: Alacati
Alacati is a well known wind surf center in the world. It is also famous with its stone houses, narrow streets, windmills, beaches, restaurants and bars.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 33 | JOY OF HIGHLAND
Travel in Summer, Ski in Winter: Bozdag
Bozdag, which takes place in Odemis, is 1150 metres length. It is surroundered by plane trees, oak and pine forests. In summer it is a place for travel, in winter, it is a place for ski and mountaineering. Bozdag is a worth seeing place with its clean air , water, forests and sport opportunities.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 72 | THE IONIA EFFECT IN URLA
Popular with Ancient Olive Oil Atelier: Klazomenai
Klazomenai is an ancient Ionia city, takes place in Urla. It is the production centre of terra-cotta sarchopagi and black local ceramics which has importance in ancient times. The most ancient olive oil production facility which dates back to 6th Century B.C., is located in Klazomenai.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 15 | LOOKING AT GULF
View Joy: Balcova Lift Facilities
It is an important point of rest and fun place with its beautiful nature and impressive view of gulf. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the gulf with the bird's eye view. What's more, you can taste mantı or turkish pancake while watching the sunset.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 27 | SQUARE-SHADIRVAN
The relaxing sound of water in historical squares
Coming with its sebils, fountains, and shadirvans the forefront, Kemeraltı draws interest especially with the Alipaşa Shadirvan, which is situated on the center of the Alipaşa Square and considered to be constructed in the middle of 19th Century.

100 REASONS TO VISIT İZMİRREASON 19 | JEWISH CULTURE
Richness in synagogues: The Havra Street
The Havra Street on which nine synagogue lies so close to each other is one of the important places where you can trace the Jewish culture in Izmir. Known as “Yahudi Mahallesi” (Jewish Quarter) since the 15th Century, this Street is the first dwelling area of the Jews who were exiled from Spain and Portugal and subsequently migrated in Izmir, with the acceptance of the Ottoman Empire.