Smyrna Ancient City
Smyrna Ancient City
The Ancient City of Smyrna is a settlement in Izmir, which contains very important historical remains in terms of culture and architecture. The ancient city of Smyrna, also known as Old Izmir, was built on an islet in the northeast of the bay. The Ancient City of Smyrna grew rapidly after its establishment and became an important trade center. Before century the city, which was moved to Kadifekale in the 4th century, grew during the Roman Empire and extended its borders to Konak. The ruins of the Ancient City of Smyrna can be seen today in the Çankaya district of Konak district of İzmir.
Where is Smyrna Ancient City?
Smyrna Ancient City is located in three regions of İzmir. The ancient city can be easily reached by public transport.
- Bayraklı city center: It is located in Tepekule Neighborhood of Bayraklı district. To reach the metro, you need to get off at Bayraklı stop and walk for 10 minutes.
- Smyrna Agora: To reach the Smyrna Agora by bus, you need to get off at the Piyale, Printing or Health Directorate stop and walk for 5 minutes.
- Kadifekale: You can reach the area where the city walls of Kadifekale are located by the Kadifekale buses departing from Konak district.
History of the Ancient City of Smyrna
Smyrna was one of the most important cities in Anatolia in the ancient period. When the Ancient City of Smyrna was first established, it was known as the Port of Tantalus, but later it was named Smyrna. BC in the Ancient City of Smyrna. It is thought that the settlement started in the 7th century. The city was first established in Bayraklı. In the period when Alexander the Great conquered the region, the city was moved to Kadifekale and Pagos Hill, which is the center of today’s Izmir city, in the 4th century BC. After the city was moved to the foothills of Pagos Hill, many construction and architectural activities were carried out. Monumental structures such as city walls, port facilities and temples were built. With the Hellenistic period, the architectural structures in the city increased, the city grew and developed and became one of the most important Hellenic cities of the period. After Alexander the Great, the city was captured by the Seleucids and Pergamons. The city, which later came under the rule of the Roman Empire, experienced its brightest period in this period. After the division of the Roman Empire, the city came under the rule of the Byzantine Empire. In the following periods, the city came under the rule of the Umayyads, Seljuks, Aydınoğulları, Genoese and Ottomans. The city, which was an important trade port in the ancient period, grew by preserving this feature in the Ottoman period. The city, which was occupied by Greece after World War I, was connected back to Turkey after the War of Independence and has survived to this day.
Smyrana Ancient City Buildings
Temple of Athena: It was built in 725 BC for the goddess Athena.
Smyrna Walls: Smyrna walls are thought to have been built in the 7 BC to protect the Ancient City of Smyrna from attacks.
Agora: The Agora, which is thought to have been built in the 2 BC, reflects the characteristics of the Roman period. Agora was used as the commercial, religious and political center of the city. However, it is a point where many artistic, philosophical and social activities are carried out. There are many stoats, monuments, altars and statues that have survived to the present day.
Kadifekale: Ancient City of Smyrana built in the 4 BC, it was moved from Bayraklı to Pagos Hill to the skirts of today’s Kadifekale.
Ancient Theater of Smyrna: The theater, which is thought to have been built in the 1 BC, is located on the northern slope of Kadifekale Hill.
Smyrana Ancient City Visiting Hours
Agora Ruins (Ancient City) Visiting hours are between 08.00-19.00 from April 1 to October 1, covering the summer period. During the winter season, visiting hours are between 08.00-17.00 between 1 October and 1 April. In addition, the visiting hours on the first days of religious holidays start after 13.00. The entrance fee to the Ancient City is 25 TL. Museum card holders can visit twice a year.
