On the morning of January 31, 2025, I left the crisp air of Sivas behind and boarded a flight toward the Aegean. The moment I landed at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport, the city greeted me with the scent of saltwater and the softness of a coastal breeze. I headed straight to my guesthouse in Karşıyaka, where palm trees swayed gently and the sky stretched wide over the Gulf.
That afternoon, I walked to Bostanlı Pier and took a ferry across the gulf to Pasaport Pier. Watching İzmir unfold across the water was a magical start. My first stop was the İzmir Atatürk Museum, a beautifully preserved house full of personal memories, photos, and artifacts from Atatürk’s life. Then I visited the Arkas Art Center, where thought-provoking exhibitions connected the past and present in a peaceful, elegant space.
Not far away, Kültürpark İzmir offered a quiet green escape. Inside, I explored the İzmir Museum of History and Art, where ancient sculptures and timeless artifacts brought the region’s rich past vividly to life. As the afternoon turned golden, I took the Historical Elevator (Tarihi Asansör) to its upper platform. The view that welcomed me—İzmir glowing under the setting sun, the gulf stretching out like glass—was nothing short of stunning. Before heading back, I passed through Konak Square, where the İzmir Clock Tower stood proudly, timeless and luminous in the evening light. I then returned to Karşıyaka by ferry, carrying the warmth of the day with me.
The next morning began with a peaceful visit to Konak Pier, where I sat in a seaside café with a steaming glass of tea. The quiet murmur of the waves and the gentle breeze made it the perfect way to start the day. From there, I walked to the İzmir Clock Tower, then spent time in the İzmir Archaeological Museum, home to relics from countless civilizations.
A short walk brought me to the Agora of Smyrna, where I wandered through Roman colonnades and crumbling stone arches, imagining the conversations of merchants and philosophers from long ago. From antiquity, I dove into today’s hustle in the Kemeraltı Bazaar. The winding streets overflowed with colors, scents, and voices. At the historic Kızlarağası Hanı, I paused for a coffee beneath centuries-old arches. A few steps away, the Hisar Mosque offered calm beauty and spiritual stillness.
As the sun began its descent, I strolled along the Alsancak Kordon, the sea to my left, cafés and palm trees to my right. Watching the sunset reflect off the water was a moment to hold onto. That evening, I treated myself to a delicious local dinner, followed by tea and dessert at the beloved Sevinç Patisserie, a cornerstone of İzmir life.
On my final morning, I visited the Zübeyde Hanım Memorial Tomb in Karşıyaka, where Atatürk’s mother rests in peace. The quiet dignity of the place left a lasting impression. Afterwards, I returned to my guesthouse, packed my things slowly, and made my way to the airport.
Though I left İzmir that afternoon, the city had already left its mark on me—with its openness, creativity, and history woven into every street corner.
Yet even in a trip this full, I knew I had only scratched the surface. Though I had entered Konak Pier for tea, I still longed to explore its boutique shops and seafront charm more deeply. I had seen the spires of Aziz Polikarp’s Church, standing silently for centuries, though it was temporarily closed. I had missed the winding climb to Kadifekale, once a Roman stronghold, where panoramic views of the city wait at the summit. And Basmane Garı, one of the oldest train stations in Turkey, remained just a name I passed on a map—a place I’d like to see next time.
İzmir is a city that invites you to return—not with grand gestures, but with its quiet charm, its living history, and its way of making you feel like you belong there, even just for a while.
