Izmir, Turkey
About Izmir
Izmir is on the Aegean coast of western Turkey, at the head of the Gulf of Izmir. With a population of about 4.5 million, it is the third-largest city in Turkey. In antiquity the city was known as Smyrna.
The city centre
- Konak Square and the Clock Tower: the clock tower, built in 1901, is the best-known symbol of the city. The small, tiled Yalı Mosque stands next to it.
- Kemeraltı: a historic market area of narrow streets with shops, mosques, synagogues and old inns, between Konak and the Agora.
- Agora of Smyrna: remains of the Roman marketplace, rebuilt after the earthquake of 178 AD.
- Kordon: a long seafront promenade in Alsancak along the gulf.
- Asansör: a historic lift built in 1907 in Karataş. It connects the lower and upper streets and has a view over the bay.
- Kadifekale: a hilltop castle on Mount Pagos with a wide view of the city.
Districts
- Alsancak: central, with many cafés and restaurants, close to the Kordon.
- Konak: the historic centre, with Kemeraltı and the Clock Tower.
- Karşıyaka: a residential district across the bay, connected to the centre by ferry.
- Bayraklı: the newer business district with high-rise buildings.
- Güzelyalı and Göztepe: residential areas along the seafront, south-west of the centre.
Climate
Izmir has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, and daytime temperatures in July and August are often above 33 °C. Winters are mild and rainy, with daytime temperatures of about 10 to 15 °C. Spring and autumn are usually mild.
Izmir and the history of IVF in Turkey
IVF treatment in Turkey began in Izmir in the late 1980s. The first IVF centre in the country was established at a university hospital in Izmir in 1988, and the first baby born through IVF in Turkey was born there in 1989.