The Pearl of the Aegean Sea: Izmir

Izmir is a city located on the west coast of Turkey. Known as Smyrna in the history, Izmir has hosted many civilizations like Ionian, Lydian, Persian, Alexander Empire, Roman, Seljuk and the Ottoman. Izmir is the 3^rd biggest city in Turkey after Istanbul and Ankara. Izmir has the 2^nd biggest port in Turkey, which connects the textile products, minerals and fruits produced in nearby cities to the world markets. The majority of the population is the Turks that migrated from Greece and Balkan lands. And these people are more open minded than the rest of the Turkish population. Because of this interesting folk of Izmir, it has earned the nickname ''unbeliever Izmir'' by the current president of Turkish Republic. There is also a small population of Levantines and Jews in this city. A lot of churches can also be found in the city.

There are a lot of historical places in Izmir. Klazomenai is one of the first towns in the history that started trading olive oil. The birth place of Hail Mary is also in Izmir and many Christians visit every year. Agora, Konak Pier made by Gustave Eiffel, Asansor, Kemeralti and Izmir Birds Paradise are amazing places to visit. Kadifekale, historical castle located on a hill, is also a nice place to see but I don't advice you to go there since Kurdish families built a Kurdish neighborhood there and you can be attacked and harassed by them. If you are in Izmir at the end of August, Izmir International Fair is worth visiting. Kemeralti is a huge bazaar like Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. You can find almost everything and the bazaar is very lively during daytime. Izmir has very nice hotels like Hilton in the city center and Altinyunus at the Cesme district. Transportation is very good in Izmir as you can find bus and dolmus (small busses) that goes to the almost every district of Izmir. Taxis exist in the city but be careful with the amount they will be charging you and their driving style. There is also light rail in the city but it only goes to few districts. When you are in Izmir, don't forget to board on urban ferries that operates between the districts that are next to the sea, and drink a hot tea as you watch the amazing Gulf of Izmir. Izmir has a warm climate. Summers are usually around 100 °F and dry. Winters are not very cold and are usually around 60 °F. It sometimes rain but it doesn't last long. You can find many kinds of delicious fresh vegetables and fruits in Izmir. Don't leave Izmir without tasting the local foods like kofte, mucver, tarhana soup, feta cheese, dolma and yengen (a kind of toast). There are many kinds of sea foods and they are usually fresh.

The city of Izmir is a very modern city and the people are very nice. Most of them know English, as you can also find people who talk Italian and Greek. Izmir is a city that you can practice Islam, Christianism and Judaism freely. If you are coming to Turkey, don't forget to visit Izmir. You will enjoy it.