OTTOMAN CLOCK TOWER
The clock tower was built in Ottoman period fo the honour of Ottoman Sultan, Abdulhamit II whom he was the sultan for 33 years in 1901 by grand vizier Mehmet Sait Pascha. The clock on the tower was gifted to the tower by German emperor Willhem II to the Sultan. When it was built, there was a monogram of Sultan Abdulhamit as a signature by later it was removed after the republic was proclaimed. It became a traditon later to build clock towers in different cities throughout the country after İzmir clock tower had been built so it made a great impact on the inhabitants of the cities.
Kemeralti Market:
One of the largest open air markets in the world. As we walk through the market we will sample from local food shops and stalls.
Agora Open Air Museum:
The ruins of Agora mark the ancient center of the city. Dating back to 4th century B.C Agora of the ancient Smyrna (Izmir) was the commercial center. Surprisingly well preserved arches illustrate the scale of the ancient city
Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar:
This 18th Century Bazaar was once the trading and commercial center of Ottoman Izmir. Today mostly souvenir and antique shops occupy most shops. Nearby we will make a stop at the most famous cold cut meat shop in Izmir. The bazaar is surrounded by several traditional coffee houses
Historical Elevator:
Another one of Izmir’s interesting places to visit is the Historical Elevator building. This building, which also gave the district its name, was had built by a Jewish businessman named Nesim Levi. The Elevator, which was built between Mithat Paşa Street and the 40-meter high Şehit Nihat Bey Street, was built on an old quarry and put into service in 1907. The elevator saves everyone from climbing the 155 steps between Mithat Paşa Street and Halil Rıfat Paşa Street. The elevator tower consists of three floors. The elevator, which has remained intact to this day, is now electrically driven.
Izmir Beache:
Considering beaches, one of the first places that come to mind is Çeşme. Çeşme peninsula has a coastline of 29 kilometres along with a cleat sea, sun, fine sands, and sulphurous healing waters bubbling in the sea. There are beaches each more beautiful than the other at this coastal area. There are almost 20 beaches, particularly Şifne, Küçük Port, Pırlanta, Paşa Port, Ilıca Plajı, Çiftlik, Altınkum, Çatal Azmak, Sakızlı Cove, Tekke Beach and Ayayorgi
Pergamon Akropol Ruin:
The first settlement in Pergamon, meaning castle, is Acropolis. It welcomes visitors to the city with all its glory. Today, you can get up to Acropolis with a cable car, with an amazing view of Pergamon along the way. Acropolis is at a height of 300 meters. The palaces of the Pergamon kings, the theater, holy grounds, temples, the agora, gymnasion, heroon and other Roman Era remnants can be found on this magnificent peak.
Alaçatı:
Alaçatı was ranked 8th on the “31 Must-See Places on Earth in 2010″ list by The New York Times. The area is considered to be one of the three most important surfing points on earth along with the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. With its deep blue sea, houses with bougainvillea hanging from the windows and cobblestone pavements, Alaçatı is a town of tales from the 1800’s. Located just 10 km away from Çeşme, the town is also a spot for adrenaline lovers for being a water sports center.
Şirince:
Sirince village, where Orthodox Greeks live until 1922 year, is 10 kilometers east of Selcuk. Population consists of Greeks other than a few Turkish Muslim employees, which brought about a unity in culture and tradition. It has a beautiful civil architectural tissue with houses which are nearly 100 years old. Most common name of the settlement; which is stated as Kyrkindje, Kirkindsche, Kirkidje, Kirkica, Kirkinca before, is Cirkince as we read at Kiepert’s maps. In republic period, its name is translated by Governor Kazim Dirik into today’s language. There are two churches as Saint Demetrios Church and Aziz Yahya Church.
Joy of Sea at Kordonboyu:
Even mentioned in songs, Kordon, is a place in İzmir where everyone takes a great joy. Kordonboyu, where İzmir meets with the sea, where you can watch the sunset or lay down on the grass during summer and spring is among the symbols of İzmir. The grass area starting from the Gündoğdu Square at Kordon is a meeting point where the youth comes together, sings and socialize while drinking something.
Sığacık:
Sığacık was the northern port of Teos in the Antique era, and today it is a district that changed with the Teos Marina and hosts increasing numbers of visitors. Sığacık hosts world-famous Akkum and Ekmeksiz beaches with their glistening sands and clean sea and has many hotels and hostels. Even though the Sığacık Port is not a place to swim, the visitors can discover the Papaz Boğazı, Taş Ada, Azmak, Aktaşlı and Çamağız areas on daily boat tours.
The House of Virgin Mary:
This is situated at the Peak of Bülbül Mountain, 9 kilometers from Selçuk. According to the legend, St. John came to Ephesus with Virgin Mary four or six years after the crucifixion of Jesus. Following the visions of a German nun. Catherina Emmerich, a group of Lazarist priests discovered a house, which is believed to be the palace where Virgin Mary spent her last days, in 1891. This discovery attracted the attention of the entire Christian world. The cruciform building topped with a dome was restored in modern times. The house received visits from Pope Paul VI in 1967 and Pope John Paul II in 1979, which strengthened the belief that Virgin Mary lived and died in Ephesus. This site has become a frequent destination for pilgrims, since the image of Virgin Mary is venerated not only by Christians but also by Muslims. A special mass as held each 15 August, which attracts numerous visitors.
