Turkish Izmir. City Description.

Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and probably the most popular resort on the Mediterranean coast. Izmir is located in the south-western part of the Turkish Republic, in the Gulf of Izmir on the Aegean coast. The city attracts tourists with its beautiful natural landscapes, modern infrastructure and plenty of historical and cultural sites in its vicinity.

Izmir is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains with orange trees, cypresses and fir trees on the continental side, while the coastal strip is fragrant with amazing alleys. The resort has an abundance of comfortable bays that will appeal to connoisseurs of yachting and sea fishing.

Where is Izmir?

As Izmir is located at the junction of major land and sea routes, it is easy to get to. Izmir has its own international airport, which, however, is used by airplanes all over Turkey. There are also bus routes to Izmir from Istanbul, Antalya and Ankara. It is possible to get to Izmir by train, but the railroad is rarely used, as the route takes longer and is the least comfortable.

The most popular form of transportation in Turkey is the bus, with its help you can get to any point of the republic.

Is it hot in Izmir?

Izmir is influenced by the Mediterranean climate. In summer it is invariably warm and dry, rains are quite rare. Tourist season starts in May and lasts until the end of October, at which time the water in the sea is heated to a temperature of +23 - 26 ° C and is considered comfortable for bathing. In summer the air heats up to +35 - 36 ° C, but the winds from the sea, alleviate the heat. In November in Izmir, the temperature drops and the rainy season begins, which ends in March. However, even in the winter season the air temperature rarely drops below +8°C.

A brief look at the history of Izmir.

The history of this town is more than 5 thousand years. In the 3rd millennium BC, the ancient Hellenes, who were in search of new lands at that time, built their first settlement on the site of present-day Izmir. In the XI century B.C. Smyrna, one of the major ports and centers of maritime commerce on the Aegean coast, was founded here. It was also famous for being the ancestral home of the famous Homer. In the IV century BC, the army of the ruler of Lydia, Aliatte, during an invasion, virtually destroys the town. Somewhat later Alexander the Great undertakes to recreate Smyrna, and rebuilds Smyrna closer to the sea. At this time, the most famous stadium, theater and other architectural monuments were erected there.

In 133, the city comes under the Roman Empire, so it will exist not much, not a little, but a thousand years.