Offbeat Turkey, Izmir

Garlanded around the Aegean sea on the Western coast of Turkey, Izmir is an unique Mediterranean town embedded with Greek history. Also known as known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks and taken over by the Romans before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The excavated remains reflect centuries of history from classical Greece to the Roman Empire when it was the Mediterranean’s main commercial centre. The paved streets winding past squares, baths and monumental ruins takes you back to the glorious past of the Roman reign. Its seafront promenade old stone houses, painted shutters and doors all covered in rambling bright coloured bougainvillea makes Izmir a city full of life. I take you on a Photo tour exploring offbeat Turkey and rejoicing the enthralling beauty of Izmir.

Agora Ruins

The beautiful Agora Ruins sit amidst the beautiful city of Izmir. Agora in Turkish means a marketplace. Dating back to 4th century BC, it was ruined by earthquake and then later restored by the famous Alexander the Great. What makes it special is the 3 tier marketplace it used to be in the Roman times. The eye-catching vaulted chambers, first level pillars and cisterns in the basements of the two basilicas show how a multilevel marketplace would have looked in its heyday.

Cesme Town

Cesme was popularly known as the coastal town of Izmir. Situated on the banks of Aegean Sea, this vibrant little luxurious town is a paradise to the coastal lovers. The pristine clear water, the windmills and private yachts make it for a perfect romantic set up. The view of the Aegean sea from atop the Cesme Castle is worth it.

Cesme Castle

Cesme Castle is a restored military fortress. Built in 1508, it represents a typical Ottoman Sultan Bayezid architecture. It houses an Archaeology Museum which displays of marble busts, metal coins and artifacts from nearby excavations. With a picturesque Aegean sea on one side and red-roofed old architectural buildings on the other, the Çeşme Castle is a must stop for a history digger like me.

City Of Ephesus

My next visit was to the famous ancient City of Ephesus. It’s is an outstanding example of a Roman Port city. Its excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire, when it was the Mediterranean’s main commercial centre. The paved streets wind past squares, baths and monumental ruins take you back to the glorious past of the Roman reign.

Alacati

Alaçati is by far my favourite one. It’s a unique Mediterranean town on the Western coast of Turkey with Greek history. Walking down the cobbled streets downtown, you really do feel as though you are in Greece. The old stone houses painted shutters and doors all covered in rambling bright coloured bougainvillea. This is a perfect destination to laze around and enjoy the town like the locals, with the locals.

Where to Stay: Hilton Izmir

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