Izmir

Description

Izmir is one of the important and larger cities in Turkey. Located along the Central Aegean Coast, Izmir was once known as the ancient city Smyrna. Today it is a modern and flourishing city with a historic feel. Surrounded by scenic natural beauty and boasting beautiful Ottoman architecture, Izmir is a wonderful destination to spend a holiday in. Muslim travellers can enjoy a wide number of Muslim-friendly facilities in Izmir. From wonderful architecture and historic sites to bustling and colorful markets there is a lot to see and do in Izmir.

The Alsancak District has the best Ottoman houses, making it a must-visit when in Izmir. Kadifekale is an Old Castle, located on a hill. Those interested in seeing the remains of the Old City of Smyrna should visit Agora. The Konak Square is the main square of the city, lined with cafes and bazaars.

There are a number of museums in Izmir that depict its glorious past and heritage. The Archaeology Museum is one of the best museums in the city offering a fine collection of ancient relics from Greek and Roman times. The Ataturk Museum and the Ethnography Museum are also good places to visit. Evenings can be spent walking around the Kordon Waterfront Boardwalk, from where one can enjoy excellent views.

The shopping scene in Izmir is quite vibrant. There are open-air markets, historic markets and modern shopping malls that offer visitors the opportunity to purhcase a variety of souvenirs and other items. The best place for shopping in Izmir is the Kizlaragasi Han. In this market visitors can shop for anything from antiques to jewelry and ceramics. The Karsiyaka Carsi Shopping Centre, Kemeralti Bazaar and the area around the Konak Pier are also great shopping locations. There are also several modern shopping complexes in Izmir like the Forum and the ones at EGS Park and Ozdilek.

Nearby Airports

Izmir is served by the Adnan Menderes Airport, which is located about 16km from the city center. From the airport visitors can avail shuttle service and public buses. The airport shuttle service is available every 20 minutes. There is also a train link that connects the airport to the Basmane railway station in the city.

Halal Restaurants

Finding halal restaurants in Izmir is not difficult. Almost all the restaurants in Izmir serve halal food, however it is important for Muslim visitors to confirm before dining. The best Muslim-friendly restaurants in Izmir are Rumeli Pastanesi, Uzum Cafe & Restaurant, Sakiz Restaurant, Adil Muftuoglu, Izmir Konagi Restaurant, Reyhan Pastanesi, Ferdi Baba, etc.

Mosques

There are several mosques in Izmir. The most popular mosques in the city are Hisar Mosque, Kestanepazari Camii, Kameralti Mosque, Konak Mosque, Iki Çeşmelik Camisi, etc.

Things to Do and See in Izmir

• Konak Square
•  Kadifekale
•  Kemeralti bazaar
•  Beaches
•  Alsancak
•  Kordon promenade
•  Archaeology Museum
•  Ethnography Museum
•  Ataturk Museum