One of the largest Turkish cities is Izmir. In addition, it is the industrial center of the country. The history of the city is quite saturated . So, there are many attractions. The main ones are listed in today's article. It also tells about the most important events that have taken place over the past centuries in the city of Izmir (Turkey).
History
Another name for the city is Smyrna . According to historical information, the first people appeared here in the third millennium BC. We will not talk about the oldest period in the history of the Turkish city, but we will move on to events related to the decline of the Ottoman Empire. Izmir in ancient times and in the Middle Ages was repeatedly conquered by the power-hungry rulers of neighboring states. The population as a result has formed quite motley . At the same time, by the beginning of the 20th century, Christians were the majority here. Muslims living in other cities of Turkey, this fact a lot confused. With contempt, they called Izmir "The Unfaithful Peaceful. "
In the war that ended in 1918, Turkey was defeated. An agreement was made. Smyrna was to cross Greece. Turkish nationalists living in other regions of the country did not recognize the terms of the agreement. In August 1922, they broke into the city and staged a massacre. Most of the Greeks and Armenians were destroyed. The survivors sought to leave the city sooner, which was also put on fire by the Muslim Turks.
Such is the history of Izmir, whose sights, however, hardly remind of its tragic pages. Before you talk about cultural monuments, it is worth giving another interesting facts. One of the most famous literary works of all time is Homer's poem Odyssey. The ancient Greek poet is also the author of the Illiad . Little is known about the life of the ancient writer, but according to one version, Smyrna is his homeland.
Asancer
Translated from Turkish, this word means " elevator " . Among the sights of Izmir there are quite interesting mosques, museums and other ancient buildings. Asanser may not be the most beautiful of them, but certainly the most memorable. You will not find anything like this in another Turkish city. On the outskirts of the metropolis, hills are often of varying heights. Asanser is an interesting attraction in Izmir. It appeared at the beginning of the XX century due to the geographical features of the area . An unusual building connects two blocks, one of which is located on a steep hill.
Archaeological Museum
It would be strange if there was no such attraction in Izmir. The history of the city began several millennia ago, during which time several civilizations changed, each of them left a mark. The museum has been operating since the twenties of the last century. Here are stored artifacts found in the territory of ancient Smyrna and its environs.
The museum building has many interesting unique exhibits, one of them is in the open air. Already at the entrance to the museum, attention is drawn to an unusual mosaic, which depicts flowers and animals. The old image creates an indescribable impression when viewed from above, from the second floor of the balustrade.
Zoo
Residents of the metropolis are not surprised by such attractions. In Izmir, however, a zoo has existed for 80 years, which has no equal in most European cities. A favorable climate played a significant role, allowing the use of natural barriers. More than one and a half thousand species of animals and birds live here. According to the international organization responsible for the status of zoos, the one in Izmir is the best example of design and engineering.
Fairy tale world
In fact, this popular destination among tourists is called differently. Namely the Toy Museum. But the word " fairy tale " first comes to mind at the sight of an amazing variety of souvenirs, miniature American cars, German teddy bears, Italian dolls and, of course, world-famous characters.
The first collection appeared here recently - in 2010. For such a short time, the organizers managed to collect several hundred toys. The exhibits created in the 20th century prevail. In the Toy Museum, for example, you can see a porcelain doll made in Germany back in the thirties.
Another rare thing - a horse on a stick. What is its purpose, the modern child will not immediately understand . Nothing of the kind has been produced at factories for a long time. The toy, which is part of the Izmir Museum collection, was created in 1800. The interior of the room is quite prosaic, which, of course, few visitors pay attention to. After all, a " toy " collection is able to interest not only a child , but also an adult.
Konak Square
The square is located in the district of the same name, in the busiest part of it. With the name " Konak " there is also a governor's mansion. What can you tell about this square in Izmir?
When it comes to such sights, remember primarily the buildings located nearby. On one of the most famous Turkish squares is the Yala Mosque, built in the middle of the XVIII century. In the center is a tower designed by architect Raymond Pere and built in 1901. It is called Saat Kulesi . The tower was created in the Moorish style. Its height is 25 meters.
This is a rather unusual structure. Fountains are mounted in the lower part, and the clock mechanism, once presented to the city by a German Kaiser, has been working properly for more than a hundred years. The Saat Kulesi tower has miraculously survived the fire caused by Turkish nationalists in 1922. Other sights of the city: Agora, Kadifkale fortress, Museum of history and art.