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Articles and news from our editors
How Paterson Mansion kept its title as İzmir's largest Levantine mansion
Built in 1859-60 by British merchant John Paterson, the 38-room mansion was restored in 2017 following a fire in 1986.
Klaros, the ancient world's oracle center for consulting Apollo
Active from the 13th century BC to the 4th century AD, Klaros sits in Menderes district with its Temple of Apollo and 20-room Katagogeion.
Karagöl on Mount Yamanlar, İzmir's crater lake closest to the city center
At 810 meters, this 35-hectare natural crater lake is also known for the Tantalus legend told among locals.
The history of the Ancient Theatre of Phokaia, often confused with a modern theatre
Built in the 340s BC and considered one of Anatolia's oldest theatres, the structure sits about 700 meters from the modern open-air theatre in the castle courtyard.
How İzmir kumru evolved from a street sandwich into a registered specialty
Registered as a geographical indication in 2017, kumru — a sesame-covered oval bread filled with sausage and cheese — symbolizes the city's distinctive sandwich culture.
The story behind the House of the Virgin Mary's 1881 discovery
Found based on the visions of German nun Anne Catherine Emmerich, the small stone chapel draws both Christian and Muslim visitors.
How the Alaçatı Pazaryeri Mosque was converted from a Greek church
Built in the 1830s as the Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Konstantinos, the building opened for worship as a mosque after a minaret was added following the 1923 population exchange.
The history behind Pergamon Acropolis's 2014 UNESCO listing
Capital of the Attalid dynasty, the acropolis was home to the Altar of Zeus and the era's second-largest library, making it one of the ancient world's key centers.
How Kızlarağası Han evolved from 1744 into a handicrafts bazaar
Built by Hacı Beşir Ağa as a two-story Ottoman caravanserai, the building became the crafts hub of Kemeraltı after its 1988-93 restoration.
İzmir boyoz's journey from Sephardic cuisine to the city's breakfast tables
Registered as a geographical indication in 2017, boyoz — a rolled pastry made from a flour, oil and sugar dough — is an inseparable part of İzmir's breakfast culture.
2,300 years of history atop Kadifekale's hilltop overlooking the city
Built by Lysimachus in the 3rd century BC, the fortress served as the acropolis of ancient Smyrna and looks out over the İzmir Gulf from Mount Pagos.
Why Ephesus remains one of the world's most visited ancient sites
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Roman-era cities, home to the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.