Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Izmir

Izmir by René Cortin from Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Izmir

Turkey’s western region includes Izmir, which is known as the “jewel of the Aegean beaches.” With 8,500 years of history and the extensive cultural legacies left by 32 civilizations, it is the third largest city in the nation.

The city is open for exploration and is waiting to be found. This city has always held a prominent position as the cultural and spiritual hub. Throughout its long history, it has hosted a few dozens of distinct civilisations, including the Persians, Ancient Greeks, Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.

1. The most representative image of Izmir is the clock tower in Konak

Konak Square by BSRF from Wikimedia Commons

Although not the oldest clock tower in the city, the Konak Clock Tower is the most significant representation of Izmir. The oldest of the four clock towers in Izmir is the one near Alsancak Station. The British-built tower has the inscription “London 1890.” In order to commemorate the 25th year since Abdulhamid II’s coronation in 1901, the Konak Clock Tower was constructed.

2. Urla is home to one of the three quarantine islands on the globe

Urla Karantina Island by Mr Metin Canbalaban from Wikimedia Commons

Urla is one of the three islands used for quarantine. One of the three registered quarantine islands that have lasted worldwide is Klazomen Quarantine House, or as it is now known, Karantina Island.

Island is situated close to Klazomenai, a historic city. The French constructed facilities on the island in 1865, and they were used up until 1950. The island’s access road was built in 1950. But immediately next to this road, in the water, is the marble road that Alexander the Great had constructed in the sixth century BC.

3. Izmir was home to several notable philosophers

Urla is one of the three islands used for quarantine. One of the three registered quarantine islands that have lasted worldwide is Klazomen Quarantine House, or as it is now known, Karantina Island.

Island is situated close to Klazomenai, a historic city. The French constructed facilities on the island in 1865, and they were used up until 1950. The island’s access road was built in 1950. But immediately next to this road, in the water, is the marble road that Alexander the Great had constructed in the sixth century BC.

4. Izmir was home to one of the seven wonders of the world

Temple of Artemis ruins by PLBechly Wikimedia Commons

Izmir was home to one of the seven wonders of the world. One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was the Temple of Artemis in the Ancient City of Ephesus. Built-in 12 years and dedicated to the goddess Artemis by the Lydian King Croesus. Chersiphron, a Greek architect, created the structure.

The Temple of Artemis, an art monument with a spectacular appearance and embellished with bronze statues carrying the autographs of the best sculptors of the day, Pheidias, Polycleitus, Kresilas, and Phradmon, has sadly not survived to the present day.

5. Izmir is home to the oldest olive oil factory in the world

Izmir is home to the oldest olive oil factory in the world. The earliest known olive oil workshop in the world, which was operational 2,600 years ago, was discovered during excavations in, whose history dates back unbroken to 6,000 years ago.

showing a significant degree of affluence in the sixth century BC. The same historic workshop was reconstructed and olive oil production began as a result of the work done in 2004–2005. Here, you may get delectable olive oils.

6. The first known women’s protest in history was led by Izmir women

Female cyclists in Izmir by Mark Lowen from Wikimedia Commons

The first recorded women’s protest in history was led by Izmiri women.  Izmir women engaged in action in 1828 as a result of the increase in bread costs. The decision to raise was reversed after the three-day demonstrations!

7. Turkey’s sole village with a theatre is in Izmir

Turkey’s sole village with a theatre is Izmir. The first village in Turkey to have a theatre is Bademler Village, which is located in Seferihisar Town.

8. The 2 League match title with the most viewers

Fenerbahçe by Samosan.com from Wikimedia Commons

On May 16, 1981, 67,696 ticketed spectators watched the football game between Karşya Football Club and Göztepe Football Club at the Atatürk Stadium in Izmir. Back then, it was simple to attend games without a ticket, and the newspapers reported that there were more than 80,000 fans in attendance.

This neighbourhood match continues to be the most watched 2 League match, with this local derby holding the attendance record in Turkey for many years.

9. Calling this city “Beautiful Izmir” is nothing new

Izmir has long been praised for its beauty. Calling this city “Beautiful Izmir” is nothing new. Since the beginning of time, people have been fascinated with the city of Izmir.

According to historian Herodot,  “They established their cities in the most beautiful skies and the most beautiful climates we know on earth” Aristo on the other hand told about Izmir to Alexander the Great stating, “If you don’t see it, you will be missing!” he said.

10. One of Turkey’s holy pilgrimage sites is the House of the Virgin Mary

House of the Virgin Mary by Mfryc from Wikimedia Commons

Izmir has long been praised for its beauty. Calling this city “Beautiful Izmir” is nothing new. Since the beginning of time, people have been fascinated with the city of Izmir.

According to historian Herodot, Izmir “They established their cities in the most beautiful skies and the most beautiful climates we know on earth.” Aristo on the other hand told about Izmir to Alexander the Great stating, “If you don’t see it, you will be missing!” he said.

Why visit Izmir? In Izmir, you’ll interact with people whose origins in the region date back to ancient times whereas Istanbul is bustling with imported accents, faces, and tourists from all over the world.