Ä°zmir, the ancient city of Smyrna, or the country of the sacred mother, existed before the arrival of the Hittites and was ruled by Ionians, Persians, Romans and Ottomans.

The first city built here had the most advanced culture, alongside Troy. Excavations at Bayraklı have unearthed a temple dedicated to Athena and the wall of the Ionian city and notably pottery dating to the third millennium BC has been uncovered. By 1500BC, Izmar had fallen under the influence of the Central Anatolian Hittite Empire.

smiling white male wearing a backpack

Ready to discuss your trip to TĆ¼rkiye?

Speak to one of our travel specialists and weā€™ll create your personalised itinerary just for you.

Start Planning