Smyrna, Today and The Old Days Tour

Smyrna; the city where the ancient author Homer was born, the city which took its name from Amazon queens, the city which was a crossroad between the west and east, the city which Turks call “Pearl of Turkey” now.

On your visit to Smyrna, you are not able to see the whole ancient city unfortunately, however you have the opportunity to see the largest and best preserved one of the Ionian agoras – market place. The water system still works today when you walk downstairs at the agora; it is unbelievable to see the water still flowing through the channels that the Romans built to bring water from the springs. As you walk around at the grand agora you are just charmed by the nature over there, dreaming that the ancient people of Smyrna coming to this bazaar to meet each other maybe or to but some food really, or to go to the port to welcome some relatives, as there was the gate Faustina with a beautiful relief on the key stone; leading to the Harbor.

It is ten minutes if you prefer walking to the Kemeralti Covered Bazaar, which has always been the heart of Smyrna’s trade. Kemeralti means under the arches as the bazaar composed of vaults which are all separate stores or inns. Built mainly during the Ottoman era in the 17th century, Kemeralti grew with the time being as the British and French merchants and then Greeks coming for trade to this important port city. Today, it is a home for the various stores, coffee houses, restaurant from different types of food, mosques, churches, tea gardens, synagogues and so on. Walking through Kemeralti means trying some doner kebap or fish sandwich, buying some colorful souvenirs, smelling fresh coffee just ground and having the wish to try that right away!

After this beautiful experience, you go to see the Asansor, which means lift actually. Built in 1907, Asansor made the life easier as previously people had to climb all the stairs to go to the upper neighbourhood. One day, one of the elders of the reputed family Devidas fell on the stairs and broke her foot. After this occasion, one of the rich families of the city decided to plan this lift which has become one of the symbols of the city within the years. It will be a nice break from the crowded busy streets of Izmir to take some pictures both at the entry area of the Asansor as there are nice sincere coffee houses and also at the top with a wonderful scenery of the gulf of Izmir.

In between your visits you will stop for home made –local lunch and you will also have chance to taste hundred of years old traditional desert.

Hope you enjoy every moment of your day.

End of the tour.

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