Forum Bornova

Forum Bornova is not just a shopping center, but a true open-air shopping city located in vibrant Izmir. It became the first such complex in the entire Aegean region of Turkey, offering visitors a completely new shopping experience. Its main feature is the absence of traditional walls and roofs, which creates a unique atmosphere and allows you to enjoy shopping while strolling through spacious streets.

The complex occupies a vast territory of 200,000 square meters in the Bornova district. Thanks to its open layout, Forum Bornova resembles a cozy Mediterranean town with its squares, fountains, and green areas. It is an ideal place not only for shopping but also for leisurely walks, meeting friends, and family outings.

It features a multitude of shops where you can find both popular international brands and authentic goods from local Turkish labels. From clothing and accessories to electronics and cosmetics—the choice is vast. A particular advantage for many visitors is the presence of a large IKEA store within the complex, making Forum Bornova even more attractive for those looking for home goods and interior inspiration.

When planning your visit to the Forum Bornova shopping center, please note that up-to-date contact information, such as a phone number, email, or official website, may not be readily available in public sources. Therefore, the most reliable way to find out the exact opening hours of individual stores and information about current promotions is to check directly on-site during your visit.

For navigation, you can use the complex's physical address: Kazım Dirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey. Its location in the popular Bornova district makes it easily accessible by public transport or taxi.

A variety of activities await visitors at the Forum Bornova shopping center, the main one being shopping. Its open-air streets host 128 stores offering a wide range of goods. Here you can find clothing, shoes, and accessories from famous international and Turkish brands such as Zara, Mango, Lacoste, Koton, Mavi Jeans, and many others. In addition to fashion boutiques, the complex has a large grocery store where you can buy local delicacies.

Besides shopping, Forum Bornova offers excellent opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. The complex features a modern multi-screen cinema, Paribu Cineverse, where you can watch the latest global film releases. For visitors with children, there are special entertainment zones that make a family trip to the shopping center even more comfortable and interesting.

Special attention at Forum Bornova is given to the gastronomic experience and creating a pleasant atmosphere. An entire street is dedicated to numerous restaurants, snack bars, and cafes where you can relax after shopping, grab a coffee, or have a full meal. The unique architecture, reminiscent of a European town, beautiful walkways, a stream, and green areas create the feeling of a walk in a park rather than a shopping mall. This makes Forum Bornova in Izmir a wonderful place not only for shopping but also for a leisurely break in a pleasant setting.

Getting to the Forum Bornova shopping center is quite simple, as it is conveniently located in Izmir and well-connected to the city's transport system. Whether you prefer public transport, a private car, or a taxi, there are several convenient options to reach this popular shopping and leisure destination.

One of the most reliable ways to reach the complex is to use the Izmir Metro. You need to get off at the Bornova station, which is located nearby. From there, you can transfer to bus No. 59, which goes directly to the shopping center, or simply walk. You can also reach Forum Bornova by various buses from other parts of the city, such as routes 168, 249, or 584. There are also shared taxis (dolmuş) running on the "Evka 4–Forum Bornova" route.

If you are traveling by private or rental car, the shopping center provides a spacious parking lot with 3,000 spaces. For drivers' convenience, there are exits from the Çeşme-Aydın ring road. Alternatively, you can always choose a taxi, which will quickly take you to the destination from any part of the city.

While Forum Bornova is known today as a modern shopping center, its history and location are full of interesting details. The complex itself became a landmark for the Aegean region of Turkey by introducing an innovative concept—it was the first of its kind open-air shopping center. This design allowed it to blend seamlessly into the cultural landscape of the Bornova district, which is a place with a rich heritage in its own right.

The Bornova district, where the shopping center is located, is more than just another neighborhood in Izmir. This land has been home to many civilizations and cultures throughout the centuries. One of the most intriguing facts links this area to the world-famous ancient poet Homer, the author of the legendary epics the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey." It is believed that the places that inspired the great storyteller were located right here.

The history of the city of Izmir itself, where Forum Bornova is situated, is rooted in deep antiquity. It is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean, known in ancient times as the Greek city of Smyrna. Over its centuries-long history, the city has seen many eras and rulers: in 1076, it was conquered by the Seljuks, later returned to the Byzantine Empire, and in the early 13th century, it was captured by the Knights Hospitaller. Thus, while shopping in a modern complex, you are in a place with an incredibly rich and multilayered historical past.

When planning a visit to Forum Bornova, it is worth considering how much time you are ready to dedicate to shopping and entertainment. Typically, visitors spend about two hours here, but this can vary significantly. Given the massive size of the complex, which covers 200,000 square meters, and the variety of opportunities available—from 128 shops to a cinema and numerous cafes—it is easy to stay much longer. A couple of hours might be enough for a quick shopping trip and to get a feel for the atmosphere of this unique open-air shopping center.

If your plans are more ambitious and include not only buying clothes and accessories but also visiting the large IKEA store, having lunch at one of the restaurants, or watching a movie at the Paribu Cineverse cinema, then feel free to set aside half a day or even more for your visit. Families with children can also spend a lot of time here thanks to the availability of special entertainment zones. Thus, Forum Bornova in Izmir is a place where the duration of your visit depends entirely on your interests and goals, offering options for both a quick purchase and a full day of leisure.

Precise and officially confirmed information about the opening hours of the Forum Bornova shopping center is not available in public sources. However, like most large shopping complexes in Turkey, it is likely open to visitors daily, approximately from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It is highly recommended to check the current schedule directly on-site or on the center's official resources, as opening hours may change, especially during public and religious holidays.

Entry to the Forum Bornova complex itself is free, and no prior reservation is required. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that the operating hours of individual shops, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment areas, such as the Paribu Cineverse cinema, may differ from the general schedule. If you plan to visit a specific establishment or watch a movie, it is best to check its individual schedule in advance.

A visit to the Forum Bornova shopping center is a great opportunity to discover other interesting places located in this lively district of Izmir. The Bornova area and its surroundings are rich in attractions that can complement your shopping day with cultural and entertainment experiences. After relaxing in a cafe or browsing the shops, you can easily set off to explore nearby parks, museums, and other notable sites.

In the immediate vicinity of Forum Bornova, there are many places worth your attention. Within just a few kilometers, you will find cultural centers, cozy parks for walking, and popular bars to pleasantly round off your day. Below is a list of some nearby attractions.