Places to Visit in Izmir Konak – 7 Tips
Konak is the central district of Izmir. Clock Tower, Kemeralti, Kızlaragasi inn, Smyrna agora ancient city are just a few of the places to see in Konak. Konak district is one of the places visited by many people coming to Izmir with its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Top 5 places to visit in Izmir Konak
Kizlaragasi Inn (Kızlarağası Hanı). One of the architectures worth seeing in Izmir, Kızlaragasi inn is located in Konak district, the heart of the city. The Kizlaragasi inn, which has a magnificent architecture of history, is in the Kemeralti Bazaar. After visiting the Kemeralti bazaar, you should also see and visit this historical inn. While visiting this historical inn from the Ottoman period, you can also buy souvenirs from here.
Izmir Clock Tower (İzmir Clock Tower). It was adhered to in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdulhamid’s accession to the throne. It has been the symbol of the city since then. The clock, gifted by the German Emperor, has stopped once in history. (in the 1974 earthquake). Although the clock continues to operate today, the Clock Tower is now used for different purposes. Located in the center of Konak, the tower has become the meeting point of the people.
Smyrna Agora Ancient City (Smyrna Agorası) It is located next to the Historical Kemeralti Bazaar, on the northern slope of Kadifekale (Pagos Mountain), where the ancient city of Smyrna was moved in the 4th century BC. Agora, which means ‘City Square’, ‘Market Place’ in Greek, was built in three floors in accordance with the Hippodamos city plan in the Hellenistic period. It is one of the largest and best preserved of the Ionian agoras.
Most of the structures that have survived to the present day belong to the city, which was built with the support of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius after the earthquake in 178 AD.
Kadifekale (Kadifekale Suru). It was built at the request of Alexander the Great in 334 BC. The castle, where only 5 towers with a height of 20-25 meters can be seen today, also has cisterns from the Byzantine period. Karsiyaka district to the north, Izmir Bay and Narlidere to the west, and Bornova district to the east can be seen. If you have time, watch the view of Izmir from the Castle.
Izmir Historical Elevator Building (İzmir Tarihi Asansör Binası). Konak district, which is one of the most important and interesting places to visit in Izmir, has different works of art. The historical elevator is one of the must-see works in the district, and there are places to relax here. Historical elevator, which must be on your Izmir travel list, is one of the places frequented by those who want to watch the city from a bird’s eye view. Located in Konak Square, there are cafes and restaurants in the area where this elevator is located.
2 Museums to Visit in Konak
The 2 museums in Izmir Konak are some of the best museums in Turkey. If you like museum trips, we recommend you to visit this place. In addition, places close to the beach in Izmir Konak and Kemeralti are very nice walking areas. Konak district is the popular and central district of Izmir.
History & Arts Museum (İzmir Tarih ve Sanat Müzesi)
The History and Art Museum is located in Kulturpark in Izmir Konak. It was created in addition to the Izmir Archeology Museum. It has three main sections. These sections are: Stone Artifacts, Ceramic Artifacts and Precious Artifacts.
The Ceramic Works section has two main structures: Byzantine period ceramic works and prehistoric ceramic works. Ceramic works of the Byzantine period come to the fore. There are ceramic and earthen artifacts from the Smyrna Topraklı Tumulus, Kocabaştepe, Kyma, Limantepe, Baklatepe Erythrai, Phokaia, Pitane and Klazomani regions. Artifacts belonging to the Ottoman Empire are in the Precious Works section.
Among the prominent works in the Precious Works section; glass, oil lamps, bronze works and coins. Coins arranged in a chronological order, BC. It starts from the 6th century.
Magnificent sculptures and reliefs from the Byzantine, Roman, Classical, Hellenistic and Archaic periods are in the Stone Works section of the museum. Among the works to be seen in the museum; The statue of Kaistros and the relief of Artemis – Poseidon – Demether come to the fore.
Archeology and Ethnography Museum (Arkeoloji ve Entografya Müzesi)
The Izmir Archeology Museum, the product of a 3-year study, was opened in 1927. The museum located inside the Ayavukla Church; It contains artifacts found in the ancient cities of Smyrna, Bergama, Ephesus, Miletus, Teos, Klazomenai and Iasos. The content of the museum has expanded with the archaeological studies around it. As a result of wealth, the areas discovered in the museum have been turned into a museum. Finally, Bahribaba Park was turned into a museum area in 1984.
The museum has a multi-storey structure. Archaeological artifacts are exhibited in a chronological order. Among the most valuable parts of the museum; There are gold coins from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
