From ancient times to the realm of Seljuks, from the Ottoman Empire to the Turkish Republic; located by the bay with a history of more than 8500 years, the city of Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and also has the second biggest port of the country after Istanbul. The city is situated on the west of Anatolia peninsula, surrounded by the Aegean Sea. Its approximate land area is 11.973 square kilometers and has a population of 3.739.353. As one of the world’s oldest port cities with historical significance, Izmir has always been a meeting point for people from different races, cultures and religions.

Izmir generally has the coastal Aegean sub-type Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and warm winters. When you arrive in Izmir you will be welcomed by a very clean atmosphere as the city possesses such a climate that even during the winter times, there becomes no drastic change in the temperature. The annual average yearly temperature in winter is between 12 ºC -14 ºC; and the yearly sea temperature in January is 12ºC.

The recent excavations have revealed that the first people founded Izmir were the inhabitants settling down in Yeşilova Tumulus in Bornova district in 8500BC. However; many clues of early history settlements dating back to the Paleolithic age, have been encountered in the surroundings of the city. Izmir has always been a leading commerce, art and culture center of the region since the ancient times. It has a high capacity to outstand in every field and be the center of attraction. It is one of the most important commercial regions with its free trade zone, industrial zone and its bay. The city, generating 20 % of Turkey’s foreign trade, has a well qualified workforce and fully developed infrastructure. Izmir, with its environs and natural beauties, is a favorite tourism destination offering a rich historical heritage. In addition to being a busy port city, Izmir has a rich source of raw materials and is home to qualified labor force. The vast transportation infrastructure of the city has speeded up the industrial development, aiding Izmir to become the center of trade within the region. The qualities of the industrial products manufactured in Izmir meet international standards in quality and are in worldwide demand. Industries related to agriculture are also highly developed in the region. Fabrics, ready-made clothing, dried fruits, spices, alcoholic beverages (rakı, wine), beer, animal feed and tobacco are important products of the area.

Izmir is one of the cities where the education level is the highest in Turkey. The city of Izmir is the home for 6 Universities.

The city is located at the most western part of Turkey and as a result of this geographical position a western style of life is combined with Turkish customs and habits. With its sea, sun, sand and other natural beauties, Izmir offers a rich amount of touristic diversities such as cultural tourism with its deep-rooted history and antique civilizations; religion tourism with its hosting of different beliefs, the House of Virgin Mary, synagogues and churches and thermal tourism with geo-thermal resources and facilities.

Having long enjoyed a reputation as a cosmopolitan and cultural city, Izmir prospers in art and culture. Every year the city hosts the Izmir International Fair, which started to serve in 1937 on an area of 421 thousand sqm. This big event has achieved great success in a short period of time, and has become one of the world’s most outstanding fairs. The Izmir Cultural Centre hosts opera, ballet and music performances. Additionally, Izmir has successfully hosted major international events such as the 1971 Mediterranean Games and the Universiade 2005 Izmir (World University Summer Games) which was selected by FISU (The International University Sports Federation) as the most successful Universiade ever organized.

For more information about Izmir please visit www.izmirturizm.gov.tr