Izmir

Izmir is located in the Aegean province, which, of all the seven geographical regions of Turkey, enjoys the finest climate. The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. The 3rd largest, and one of the most beautiful provinces of Turkey, it extends on the shores of an attractive bay, filled with ships and yachts. Backed by mountains and facing the sea, this site offers a fine appearance, both with its natural panorama and its modern and orderly view. Lovely palm trees decorate the promenades and avenues, where new and impressive buildings stand. Behind the palm-lined promenades and avenues which follow the shoreline, the city, in horizontal terraces, gently ascends the slopes of the surrounding mountains. It is located in an area whose magnificent history has made it a tourist center. It lies at the center of the most important land, air and sea communication network in the ancient Aegean region.

Walking around this charming city, one can see a lot, ranging from the oldest remains, to the most recent establishments scattered around.

The clock tower stands in Konak Square as a symbol of the city while nearby the Archeological Museum houses many finds from the early western Anatolian civilizations. In the city center, there is the Kultur Park (Culture Park) where the famous annual International Fair is held.

Izmir is an undeniable world city with its natural beauties, historical and cultural values. Homer's love and poetry city of Izmir where various civilizations flourished and people have lived together in tolerance and brotherhood acquired her name from an Amazon queen called Smyrna and was mentioned by famous historian Herodotus as" the city under the most sublime blue sky and the remarkable climate". Alexander the Great was told by Aristo, the philosopher the following "If you do not see Smyrna you remain lacking.”

Filled with pretty restaurants, cafes, shops and bars, Kordonboyu is a long promenade, which provides a restful atmosphere and the typical elegant scenery of the city. Kemeralti Bazaar is a smart place with limitless shopping opportunities for here you will find almost anything you want, at the most appropriate prices. Karsiyaka is another attractive district on the opposite side of the bay, where the Olaf Palme Park exists near the open-air museum, which houses many interesting statues.

Known as "Smyrna" in ancient times, the province of Izmir has a long history, dating back to the 3rd- millenium BC when it was one of the most advanced cultural centers in Western Anatolia. Legendary Homer lived here in the Ionian period, which was the most splendid age of the city, dating to the 1st-millenium BC. Today some beautiful examples from this long past can be found inside the city. Here is the Kadifekale (the Velvet Fortress) located on Mount Pagos, overlooking the area. A marvelous view of the Gulf of Izmir is provided from this castle built in the 3rd-century BC, and later restored at various times. Another important sight is the Roman agora, constructed during one of the most brilliant periods of the province.

The ancient remains of the earliest layer in excavations are contemporary with the Troy II civilization. This settlement was known as Smurna, written as Smyrna in ancient Greek. In the 11th century B.C. the coastal city of Smyrna was inhabited by Ionians and Aeolians.

The mudbrick defense walls, which have been dated to the 8th century B.C., indicate that Izmir was already a city state at that time. The Temple of Athena, thought to have been built between the years 725-700 B.C., is the most ancient example of Greek architecture in the East.

Also to be found here is the oldest specimen of a Greek house, with courtyard in front, and five rooms on two stories. Smyrna also boasts the oldest example of a cobbled street in Greek civilization.

St. Polycarp Church

St. Polycarp church is the oldest existing church in Izmir. It was dedicated to St. Polycarp who was martyred by the Romans in 155 A.D at the stadium in Izmir. During the region of Süleyman the Magnificent, around the year 1625, permission was granted to build a chapel.

Polycarp was born in 70 A D to a Christian family who received its faith from the very apostles of Lord Jesus.
Polycarp was chosen by the bishop as his personal secretary; and later, when he was forty years old became the Bishop of Smyrna. There he remained for 86 years of his life, faithfully serving the Church.
The year Polycarp was martyred, there was a civil celebration in Smyrna, and games were being held at the local amphitheater. A well-known Christian boy named Aereanicus had been killed, preferring to fight the beasts rather than to follow pagan practices. When he had been slain by the animals, the Christians were accused of having brain washed him into doing such a foolish thing as prefer death to a "simple sacrifice". The mob began shouting; "Bring us Polycarp!"

When Polycarp heard of these events, he was not disturbed, and desired to remain in the city. But the faithful were able to convince him to withdraw to a farm nearby with a few friends. Polycarp prayed night and day for all men and for the churches throughout the world. One night while he was praying, Polycarp had a vision, seeing his pillow blazing with flames. He came to his friends and said, "I must be burned Alive".

The rest of the story is told in a letter which was soon afterward written by the Christians at Smyrna to the Christians at Philomenus. This letter has come to be called the Acts of the Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp.

Picture at left courtesy of www.bibleplaces.com