İZMİR

İZMİR

The modern city, with spacious avenues and buildings constructed since 1924, stands mainly on the small delta plain of the Kızılçullu (ancient Meles) River around the eastern end of the gulf and on the heights and ridges to the south. Karşıyaka (formerly Kordelia) district, once a separate town across the gulf from central İzmir, now constitutes the northwestern extent of the city. Konak district is the commercial centre of İzmir; the city’s residential quarters are concentrated in Karantina and in Güzelyalı to the southwest and in Eşrefpaşa, north of the bazaar. South of the commercial centre lies Kadifekale (Mount Pagus), on which the old citadel of İzmir was built. Alsancak to the north is the site of the recently enlarged harbour, whereas industry is concentrated in suburbs along the gulf to the northeast.

After World War II İzmir grew rapidly, partly because of its location, for which it was selected as the site of the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s command for land forces in southeastern Europe. It also has a teacher-training school and the Aegean University, founded in 1955. Second only to the Istanbul region in industry, it produces foods, cement, cotton and woolen textiles and has petrochemical and engineeringworks. A large international trade fair is held there annually. Exports include agricultural products from its hinterland—chiefly tobacco, figs, cotton, and vegetables—as well as manufactures, carpets, and silk.

The city’s landmarks include the partly excavated remains of its agora and the ancient aqueducts of Kızılçullu. The archaeological museum has a fine collection of local antiquities. Situated near such famous ancient sites as Ephesus and Pergamum and numerous holiday resorts, İzmir has a growing tourist trade.

İzmir is located in one of Turkey’s most densely populated areas. The coastal region includes the irrigated and fertile valleys and delta plains of the Küçükmenderes and Gediz rivers.