Page 32 - TurkInsurance Digital Magazine

30 cultural outlook

İzmir

With a population over 4 million, İzmir accommodates 5.3 per- site consists of four sections: Çukuriçi Höyük (mound in the pit),
cent of Turkey’s population. Located on the western side of the Ayasuluk Hill (Seljuk Castle, The Basilica of St. John, İsa Bey
Anatolian peninsula on the shore of the Aegean Sea, the city has Bathhouses, İsa Bey Mosque, Artemision), Ephesus Ancient City
a surface area of 12,012 kilometer squares. Summer tourism is and House of Virgin Mary.
crucial for İzmir as a city with a shoreline length of 629 kilo-
meters. Ephesus is a major tourism spot accommodating structures like
Temple of Artemis - one of the seven wonders of the ancient
In addition to domestic tourists visiting from all around Turkey, world, Ancient Theatre, Temple of Hadrianus, Ashab-ı Kehf
the city attracts visitors from across the world with 35 “Blue (Seven Sleepers). It is certainly a must-see for history enthusi-
Flag” beaches, which is an international environment award en- asts.
titled to beaches and marinas.
Şirince Village
İzmir, pearl of the Agean, is among the culture and vacation
spots many local and foreign people prefer. The city offers its Village of Şirince is one of the first spots that comes into mind
visitors a deep-rooted history and natural beauties that can be when thinking about places to see in İzmir, and is located on top
enjoyed four seasons long. Having witnessed 8,500 years of hu- of a hill 12 kilometers away from Ephesus Ancient City. It is es-
man history, İzmir continues to accommodate many different timated to go as far back as the Historical East Roman Empire.
cultures under its roof.
As an ancient Greek village, Şirince fascinates its visitors with
Ephesus verdant nature covered by olive trees. The village has managed
to preserve its original architecture to a great extent, therefore
The region was the largest city of the Ancient World and host- has become a significant attraction for both domestic and for-
ed a number of civilizations as a center of culture, science and eign tourists.
art. Founded in around 9,000 BC, Ephesus is located in İzmir’s
Selçuk province. You can feel like you are traveling back in time while wander-
ing around among the narrow stone-paved streets and old Greek
Listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, “Ephesus” heritage houses. This cute town is famous for its wine. You can visit win-