AEGEAN REGION
MOSQUES
The largest
and oldest mosque in Izmir is Hisar Mosque that was built in the 16th century, with restorations in the
19th-century, it has a delightful interior with an interesting mimber (pulpit)
and mihrab (altar). Other mosques in Izmir are Salepcioglu (20th-century), Sadirvan
(17th-century with 19th-century restorations) and Kemeralti (17th-century); all are situated close to the Kemeralti Quarter.
PARKS
Kulturpark,
the main park of the city, offers many different activities. It’s the site
for the International Izmir Fair and contains an amusement park,
zoo, restaurant and quiet gardens. Olof Palme Park, situated in Karsiyaka,
is a relaxing place to stop. It also offers some sports facilities. Next
door, Adnan Saygun Park, a center for artistic activities, contains an
ampitheatre for concerts and theatrical productions, and also the Open-Air
Museum Park, which has statues scattered throughout the grounds. Insan
Haklari (Human Rights) Park has lovely modern statues, including the huge
Flying Dolphin Monument. Muammer Aksoy Park is a lovely seaside park with
a nice view of Izmir Bay. Turgut Ozal Recreation Park, located in Bayrakli,
offers a number of recreational and sporting activities. Art, cultlire
and entertainment. Izmir has for many years enjoyed a reputation as a cosmopolitan
and cultural city. The Izmir Cultural Center hosts performances of opera,
ballet and musical concerts, and the city is home to the Aegean Philharmonic
Orchestra as well as a thriving theatrical scene. During the annual Izmir
International Festival, international and Turkish artists perform at various
venues in the city and surrounding area, including the theatre at Ephesus.
Alsancak (Punta), with traditional restored houses, has been converted
into a pedestrian entertainment walkway, with bars, cafes and restaurants.
Take a horse-drawn carriage along the promenade during the day; afterwards
spend the evening absorbing the lively atmosphere of the bars and cafes
around Passport Pier.
SHOPPING
In the streets of the Kemeralti
Market area, it is possible to find fascinating antiques, both fine
and fun jewelery, a great variety of clothing, and the dried figs and sultanas
for which Izmir is famous. The fish restaurants in this colorful area serve
up local specialities; Tranca and Cipura, two types of sea bream. The best
modern and most elegant shops line the Kordon Promenades in Alsancak, Karsiyaka
and Cumhuriyet Avenue.
IZMIR AND ENVIRONS
Balcova, on the road to Cesme,
is one of Turkey's largest thermal spas, with excellent facilities for
guests. Camalti, 15 km west of Karsiyaka, is an area of coastal marshes
and salt fields that is preserved as an important bird sanctuary - the
Izmir Bird Paradise. Enthusiasts can spot many species, including flamingoes
and pelicans. The Yamanlar Camligi, a pine forest near the lovely Karagol
Lake 40 km northeast of Karsiyaka, is a popular picnic spot that also provides
restaurants and a swimming pool. A Hittite bas-relief is carved into the
rock at Kemalpasa (20 km from Izmir) which lies in the Karabel Pass.
As the highest point above Izmir, Belkahve overlooks the Gulf of Izmir
and is a relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee. A favorite haunt
of Ataturk's, it is now the site of the largest statue in his honor.
SEVEN
CHURCHES
The Seven Churches of the Apocalypse,
mentioned by St. John in the Book of Revelation, formed separate and distinct
communities, and are all found in Turkey: Izmir (Smyrna), Efes (Ephesus),
Eskihisar (Laodicea), Alasehir (Philadelphia), Sart (Sardis),
Akhisar (Thyatira), and Bergama (Pergamum). Tours of one
to four days can be arranged to see several or all of the churches. Please
refer our Seven Churches tours page
ÇESME
The Cesme Peninsula, lapped by the
waters of the Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir. The name 'Cesme',
meaning fountain, refers to the many springs found in the area during the
18th and 19th centuries. It is one of Turkey's most beautiful stretches
- surrounded by clear blue sea, with landscapes of cultivated fields of
aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. In the unspoiled
bays you can swim in absolute peace. Visitors will find excellent holiday
accommodations, restaurants, sports and entertainment facilities. A 14th
century Genoese fortress, restored and enlarged by the Ottomans in the
16th century, dominates the small port of Cesme, 80km from Izmir. Today
the town is a popular holiday resort with excellent accommodations and
restaurants. The 16th century caravanserai near the fortress, built by
Suleyman the Magnificent, has been convert a hotel, while the 19th century
Church of Hagios Haralambos has been restored as the Emir Caka art gallery
Thermal baths offer a health-oriented escape from modern 
life.
Excellent shopping - the finest quality carpets, leather goods, as well
as souvenir items are available. At night a lively, fun atmosphere pervades,
especially in the restaurants, cafes, bars and discos along the promenade.
Yachts can be hired to explore the Peninsula's splendid coastline. Cesme
hosts an annual International Song Contest in the summer. Also, weekly
ferry lines run from Cesme to Venice. The very popular holiday center of
Ilica boasts an excellent white, sandy beach, and the out standing facilities
of the Altin Yunus Marina and Holiday Complex. The bay here is ideal for
water sports, especially windsurfing and sailing. The thermal baths around
Ilica are very popular; the best being located on Sifne Bay; Pasha Limani
has a campsite which offers campers comfortable facilities. In Ilica Bay,
the colorful International Cakabey Optimist Yacht race is held every year
in July. Ildiri, a quiet seaside village 20 km northeast of Cesme, was
ancient Erythrai, Those who climb up to the Acropolis at dusk are rewarded
with beautiful views as the sun sinks over the bay and islands. Nearby
Gerence Gulf is a pristine inlet northeast of the Cesme Peninsula which
can be reached by yacht or car. The natural surroundings offer relaxation
while the bay is ideal for water sports. In Dalyan, a fishing village
built on a sheltered deep water inlet just north of Cesme, some of the
region's best fish restaurants border the quay of the lively marina. Tourists
are attracted by the variety of Ciftlik's accommodations, and by a long,
sandy beach (Pirlanta Plaj), just outside of town to the southwest. Camping
facilities are available to the south, and nearby stretches one of the
area's best beaches, the Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach). Windmills,
some of which have been converted into attractive restaurants, dot the
hill above Alacati, a delightful and typical Aegean town. Alacati lies
to the south inland from ilica and the coast; a couple of kilometers to
the south is a good beach. Many lovely bays, accessible only by yacht,
are to be found along the coast southeast of the town and ensure peaceful
and relaxing anchorage in this popular sailing region. Known in ancient
times as Clazomenae, Urla Iskelesi offers a marina as well as plentiful
accommodation in all price ranges. Restaurant on the top of Guvendik hill
afford a marvelous view of the bay and its islands.
ÇESME
PENINSULA
The prosperous little fishing village
of Cesmealti is notable for its simple yet excellent fish restaurants.
As you drive along the panoramic Karaburun Peninsula coast road you pass
several peaceful bays and quaint fishing villages: Balikliova, Mordogan
and Karaburun. At Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish
restaurants sit between the beautiful mountain backdrop and the clear,
clean water. From Manastir Mountain, you can enjoy an unforgettable view
of the Karaburun coast, the Foca coastline opposite, and the entrance to
the Gulf of Izmir. On the southern side of the Cesme Peninsula, near the
town of Seferihisar, is the small picturesque marina of Sigacik.
This important yachting center is surrounded by fortifications dating from
the Genoese period and is a good point from which to visit the Temple
of Dionysus at the antique site of Teos as well as the lovely
Akkum beach. South of Akkum, the New Neptune Holiday Village has windsurfing
and diving schools; this is the best area for
these sports. Gumuldur has
excellent tourist facilities - beautiful beaches, restaurants and hotels.
Near Ahmetbeyli (Claros) to the east, stands the Apollo Temple and
the remains of the colossal statue of Apollo-, here you can also enjoy
a good fish meal or a swim at the town's wide beach. A winding panoramic
coastal road leads from Ahmetbeyli south to Pamucak beach.
