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Did You Know That… ? - About Izmir

• Izmir was established at least 5000 years ago.
• Epic poet Homer”(9th century B.C), the author of “the Iliad and the Odyssey” was born in Izmir.
• Three of the “Seven Churches” which were mentioned in Bible are in Izmir.
• One of the Seven Wonders of the antiquity, Temple of Artemis is at Ephesus.
• The symbol of the ancient city of Izmir was a lion’s head.• Parchment paper was first invented in Pergamon.
• The Phokaians built 50- oared boats carrying 500 passengers.
• Phokaians established colonies in the western Mediterranean such as “Velia” in Italy, “Ampurias” in Spain and “Marseilles” in France.
• The earliest temple dedicated to the goddess Athena was constructed in Izmir.
• Izmir was mentioned by famous historian Heredos as” the city under the most sublime blue sky and on the remarkable climate”.
• Alexander the Great was told by Aristo, the philosopher like the following “ If you do not see Smyrna you remain lacking”.
• Xenophanes, philosopher and poet of Colophon lived in the 6th century B.C.
• The famous philosopher Heraclitus(540-480 B.C) lived in Ephesus.
• The famous philosopher Anaxagoras (500-428 B.C) lived in Clazomenae.
• Bucolic poet Bion (3rd century B.C) lived in Izmir.
• Famous physician Galen (131-210.A.D) lived in Pergamon.
• The first church dedicated to Virgin Mary was built at Ephesus
• Virgin Mary’s House where she spent her last days is in Selçuk
• St. John wrote the Bible at Ephesus and died there.
• On his 3rd missionary journey St. Paul preached at Ephesus Theatre.
• Cleopatra spent the winter of the year 188 in Ephesus together with Antonius.
• French poet Lamartine, French authors Chateubriand, Theophile Gautier, and Gustave Flaubert visited Izmir.
• Pope Paul VI and Pope John II visited the Virgin Mary’s House in 1967 and 1979 respectively.
• International Art Festival hosted Ray Charles, Paco De Lucia, Joan Baez, Martha Graham Dance Company, Tanita Tikaram, Jethro Tull, Leningrad Philarmony Orchestra, Christ De Burg, Sting, Moscow State Philarmony Orchestra, Jan Garbarek, Red Army Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Field, Kodo, Chick Corea, New York City Ballet, Nigel Kennedy, Brayn Adams, James Brown in Izmir, Ephesus and Çeþme.
• Famous singer Dario Moreno lived in Izmir.
• Bademler is the first and only village which has theatre in Turkey.

ART, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

For many years Izmir has enjoyed a reputation as a cosmopolitan city of culture. The Izmir Cultural Center hosts opera and ballet performances as well as musical concerts. The city is home to the Aegean Philharmonic Orchestra and boasts a thriving theatrical community. During the annual Izmir International Festival, international and local artists perform at various venues in the city and surrounding area, including the theatre at Ephesus. Take a horse- drawn carriage along the promenade during the day and afterwards spend the evening in the lively atmosphere of the bars and cafes around Kordonboyu, Passport Pier and Karsiyaka.

SHOPPING

In the streets of the Kemeralti Market area, it is possible to find fascinating antiques, both fine and fun jewelry, a great variety of clothing, and the dried figs and raisins for which Izmir is famous. The fish restaurants in this colorful area serve up the local specialities of tranca and cipura, two types of sea bream. The best modern and most elegant shops are on the Kordon Promenades in Alsancak and Karsiyaka and on Cumhuriyet Avenue and in Passport.