Izmir history

Izmir, known in antiquity as Smyrna, is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean with a continuous history spanning several millennia. Its past is a kaleidoscope of cultures, empires, and trade routes that have left an indelible mark on the appearance of the modern city.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first settlements in the territory of modern Izmir date back to approximately 3000 BC. The city, known as Old Smyrna, was founded by Aeolian Greek settlers around the 11th century BC. An important turning point in the city's history was the 4th century BC, when, at the initiative of Alexander the Great, the city was relocated to a new, more strategically advantageous site at the foot of Mount Pagos (modern-day Kadifekale). This move marked the beginning of a new era of prosperity for Smyrna.

Key Factors of Formation

The prosperity of ancient Smyrna was driven by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The city possessed an excellent natural harbour in a sheltered bay of the Aegean Sea, making it an ideal seaport and gateway for trade between Anatolia and the rest of the Mediterranean.
• Trade: Thanks to its location, Smyrna became one of the main commercial centres of Ionia. Caravan routes passed through its port, carrying goods from the East to Greece and Rome.
• Political Influence: In the Roman era, the city reached the peak of its power, competing with Ephesus and Pergamon for the title of "First City of Asia". Its significance was highlighted by its mention in the Bible as one of the "Seven Churches of Revelation", testifying to its important role in early history.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Ancient Smyrna was not only a commercial hub but also an outstanding cultural centre. The city was famous for its schools of philosophy, medicine, and science. Smyrna is one of the cities claiming the right to be called the birthplace of the great poet Homer. Wealthy residents built magnificent public buildings, and the city's agora (market square) was one of the most impressive in the ancient world, serving as the centre of social, political, and commercial life.

Key Dates in the History of Izmir

The history of Izmir, ancient Smyrna, spans millennia. The city has experienced eras of prosperity and decline, been part of great empires, and witnessed pivotal historical events. Here is a brief chronology of its rich past.

Antiquity and Byzantium

• Circa 1000 BC — Foundation of the settlement known as Old Smyrna by Aeolian Greek colonists.
• 4th Century BC — At the initiative of Alexander the Great, the city is moved to a new location at the foot of Mount Pagos (Kadifekale).
• 133 BC — Smyrna becomes part of the Roman Republic, beginning one of the most prosperous periods in its history.
• 178 AD — A severe earthquake destroys the city, but it is quickly rebuilt with the support of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
• 1084 — The city is conquered for the first time by the Seljuk Turks under the leadership of Chaka Bey (Çaka Bey), who used it as a naval base.
• 1097 — The Byzantine Empire regains control of Smyrna during the First Crusade.

Era of Beyliks and the Ottoman Empire

• 1317–1329 — The Turks of the Aydin Beylik gradually capture first the upper fortress and then the port of Smyrna.
• 1402 — The troops of Tamerlane capture and destroy the coastal fortress held by the Hospitallers.
• Circa 1425 — Smyrna is definitively incorporated into the Ottoman Empire, becoming an important multinational trading port.
• 1864 — The city becomes the administrative centre of the Aydin Vilayet in the Ottoman Empire.

20th Century and Modernity

• September 1922 — During the Greco-Turkish War, Turkish forces enter the city, followed by the "Great Fire of Smyrna", which destroyed a significant part of it.
• 1923 — After the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, the city officially becomes part of the new state.
• 1928 — As part of the language reform, the city receives its modern name — Izmir.

Key Stages of Izmir's Development

The history of Izmir is not just a succession of eras and rulers, but a continuous process of transformation, during which the city has repeatedly changed its appearance and economic role. From an ancient centre of trade to a modern metropolis, Izmir has always remained an important node at the intersection of cultural and economic paths.

• Commercial Prosperity in the Ottoman Empire (17th–19th Centuries): During this period, Smyrna (the old name for Izmir) turned into one of the most important international ports in the Mediterranean. Thanks to the influx of European, Armenian, and Greek merchant capital, the city became the "Gateway of the Ottoman Empire to the West". This led to the formation of a unique cosmopolitan culture and rapid economic growth.
• Railway Construction (from 1856): The appearance of the first railway line in Anatolia, Izmir–Aydin, in 1856 was a revolution for the region's economy. New transport arteries connected the port with fertile inland areas, multiplying the export of agricultural products such as figs, cotton, and tobacco.
• The Great Fire and City Re-planning (1922 onwards): The events of 1922 and the subsequent fire destroyed the historic city centre, including its commercial and residential quarters. This tragic event prompted a complete rethinking of the urban space. In the era of the Turkish Republic, a large-scale reconstruction began, resulting in the creation of modern avenues, squares, and the famous Culture Park (Kültürpark).
• Foundation of the Izmir International Fair (from 1927): The first fair, organised at the initiative of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, became a symbol of the revival of the economic life of the city and the entire country. The event, which received international status in 1934, cemented Izmir's reputation as the business capital of Turkey and an important centre of international trade.
• Port Modernisation and Industrialisation (Second half of the 20th Century): Post-war development was marked by the construction of the new, modern Alsancak Port (1955–1959), which remains one of the largest in the country today. Simultaneously, large industrial zones began to form around the city, turning Izmir into a powerful industrial hub.
• Modern Urban Development (21st Century): In recent decades, the city is experiencing a new stage of transformation. Transport infrastructure is actively developing, including the metro and high-speed train projects. Waterfront renovation projects are being implemented, modern business and residential complexes are being built, and the rich historical heritage combined with proximity to Aegean resorts makes Izmir increasingly attractive to tourists.

The architectural appearance of Izmir, a city with more than 3,000 years of history, is a multi-layered canvas where ancient ruins sit alongside Ottoman structures, elegant Levantine mansions, and modern skyscrapers. Each era has left its unique mark on the urban fabric of this Aegean metropolis.

Antiquity and the Roman Period

The foundations of urban planning were laid back in the Hellenistic era when the city was moved to the slopes of Mount Pagos (modern-day Kadifekale). Ancient Smyrna developed according to the Hippodamian system with a perpendicular grid of streets. The central element of city life was the Agora — a market square surrounded by colonnades and public buildings. Today, the open-air ruins of the Agora are one of the most significant monuments of the Roman period, demonstrating the scale and grandeur of the architecture of that time. Monumental gates, basilicas, and remnants of the water supply system testify to a high level of engineering art.

Ottoman Era and Levantine Heritage

With the arrival of the Ottomans, the architectural focus shifted to the construction of mosques, caravanserais (khans), and baths (hamams). The brightest example of this era is the historic shopping district of Kemeraltı. This labyrinth of narrow streets, formed from the 17th century, remains the heart of city trade to this day. Here you can see classic Ottoman structures, such as the Hisar Mosque and numerous khans that served as hotels and warehouses for merchants.

A special chapter in Izmir's architectural history is occupied by the Levantine style, which flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. Wealthy European merchants, known as Levantines, built luxurious residences in suburban areas such as Bornova and Buca. These mansions combined elements of European Neoclassicism, Baroque, and Art Nouveau with traditional Ottoman motifs, creating a unique and eclectic style. Many of these buildings have survived today and adorn the city.

The Republic Period and Modernity

The Great Fire of 1922 radically changed the face of Izmir, destroying most of the historic centre. The subsequent reconstruction during the era of the Turkish Republic was carried out according to a new master plan. Wide boulevards were laid out, and spacious squares were created, such as Konak Square and Republic Square. The architecture of this period reflected ideas of modernism and constructivism, symbolising the birth of a new state. An iconic building that survived the fire and became the symbol of the city is the elegant Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) on Konak Square, built in the late Ottoman style in 1901. Another remarkable object is the historical elevator Asansör, built in 1907 to connect two streets at different levels, which is a fine example of early 20th-century engineering.

Modern urban development is characterised by the appearance of high-rise buildings in business districts such as Bayraklı, and the implementation of large-scale projects to renovate the waterfront and create new public spaces. Thus, Izmir continues to develop dynamically, harmoniously weaving new architectural forms into its rich historical canvas.

Notable Figures Associated with Izmir

Izmir, known in ancient times as Smyrna, has been a cradle and home to many outstanding figures throughout its centuries-old history, leaving a mark on world culture, politics, and business. From ancient poets to modern politicians and artists, the city has nurtured and inspired many talents.

Figures of Various Eras

• Homer (approximately 8th century BC) — The legendary ancient Greek epic poet. Although seven cities disputed the right to be called his homeland, Smyrna is considered one of the most probable places of his birth. He is credited with creating the greatest epic poems of Western literature — the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey", which laid the foundations for all European literature.
• Aristotle Onassis (1906–1975) — The world-famous Greek shipping magnate and billionaire. He was born in Smyrna into a wealthy family of tobacco merchants. After the events of 1922, his family lost their fortune, but Onassis managed to build a huge business empire from scratch, becoming one of the richest and most influential people of the 20th century.
• Adnan Menderes (1899–1961) — Turkish politician, Prime Minister of Turkey from 1950 to 1960. Although born in Aydin, his development as a lawyer and politician is closely linked to Izmir, where he graduated from the American College. Menderes was one of the founders of the Democratic Party and a key figure in the country's political life in the mid-20th century.
• Dario Moreno (1921–1968) — Turkish and French singer, composer, and actor of Jewish heritage. Born in Izmir, he began his career in local venues and soon achieved international fame, especially in France. His cheerful songs, such as "Si tu vas à Rio", became hits, and a street in his hometown is named in his honour.
• Édouard Balladur (born 1929) — French politician who served as Prime Minister of France from 1993 to 1995. He was born in Smyrna (Izmir) into a family of Armenian bankers who later emigrated to France. Balladur received a brilliant education and had a successful political career, becoming one of the significant figures in French politics of the late 20th century.