Izmir, Turkey Guide

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Once famous for figs, Izmir (formerly Smyrna), is now Turkey's 3rd-largest city, the "capital" of the Aegean region, a major port and commercial center set dramatically around a huge bay and backed by mountains to the south.

During the War of Independence (1922) a disastrous fire destroyed most of old Smyrna. Today Izmir (EEZ-meer, pop. 3 million) is a mostly modern city with good hotels and restaurants, an interesting bazaar, a few small archeological sites, a big, busy Otogar (bus terminal), and an important airport south of the city on the way to Ephesus (map).

Some travelers use Izmir as a base to visit such regional sights as Bergama, Çesme & Alaçati, Ephesus & Kusadasi, Aphrodisias & Pamukkale, because Izmir has several five-star hotels.

You needn't linger in Izmir if your time in Turkey is short, but if it suits your schedule to spend a night here, enjoy Izmir's Aegean ambience: see the sights, wander in the bazaar, sip drinks and dine at the pleasant waterfront restaurants.

Izmir is easy to reach by air, bus, train and boat. Here are the transportation details.

Click here for maps of Izmir & Aegean Turkey.