Thinking of visiting Turkey but don’t know which resort to chose? Then why not have a look at this interesting and informative destination guide to Bodrum. As i enjoy lots of watersports, my favourite part of Turkey is Bodrum where i can enjoy both modern and tradition activities. Cheap holidays to this lively resort can always be found on the internet.

Bodrum is renowned for its watersports, including snorkelling, wind surfing and boating, but also has lots of tourist attractions, fine beaches and nightlife. There are also regular boat trips to the Greek island of Kos on offer which make a lovely relaxing day out.

Trevor Butler set up his first ‘travel’ related business in 2004 and has written many other destination articles with tips and information. I have found these articles both interesting and helpful, hope you do too.

Izmir is Turkey’s third largest city and second most important port. With palm-lined promenades, avenues and green parks, Izmir is set in a circular bay.

Izmir

With an exceptionally mild climate and lots of good hotels, Izmir is the perfect destination for your summer holidays.

CLIMATE

Typical mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and warm wet winters. The average temperature is 18C, with approximately 148 clear and sunny days in the year. 

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Agora

Agora
The Agora was a marketplace that served Smyrna and was built during the reign of Alexander the Great. It was located underneath a cemetery in the district known as Tilkilik on the outskirts of Kadifekale. Only the northern and western sections have been excavated. In the northern section there is a basilica 160m long with three aisles divided by two rows of columns supporting a sloping roof.

Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum was transferred to its present building in 1984 and contains finds from excavations in various parts of the region, such as Bayrakli, Ephesus, Pergamum, Miletus, Aphrodisias, Sardis and Iasos. These finds date from 1000 B.C. to Ottoman times and include statues of Demeter and Zeus from the Agora in Izmir, geometric pottery, Yortan type vessels, Sidamara sarcophagi and column capitals.

Ataturk Monument

Ataturk Monument
This monument is found in Republic Square. It was erected in 1932 by the Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. On the pedestal is the relief inscription, “Ordular. Ilk bedefimiz Akdenizl” (Troops. Our first target is the Mediterranean!) and reliefs depicting scenes from the War of Independence.

Cable Car (Teleferik)
Take a ride up to the mountain park in a cable car which offers magnificent views of Izmir. At the top the is a large lake view and pine forests.

Clock Tower
One of the main landmarks of Izmir is the Clock Tower which was constructed to honour the 25th year of power by the reigning Ottoman Sultan, Abdulhamit I. The clock itself was presented by the German Emperor Wilhelm II and has kept time faithfully for more than 100 years. The tower is more than 25 metres high with fountains on each of the four sides.

Clock Tower

Kemeralti Market
Located in the Konak district of Izmir, this is not only a historical area but also one of the best places to shop in Izmir. Historic sights here include the marble fountain Donertas Sebili, built in 1814, and the Mayors’ Building, an important monument from the Turkish War of Liberation.

Kizilcullu Aqueduct
The aqueduct was constructed to bring water from the Ak and Karapmar springs on Mount Nif to the city. It is a Late Roman structure dating from the 2nd century A.D. which underwent repairs during the Ottoman period.

Kulturpark
Situated in the centre of Izmir, this is a nice, quiet green park where you can get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

St. Polycarp Church
St Polycarp was built in 1625 on the orders of the king of France, Louis the 13th and is the oldest Christian church in Izmir. Saint Polycarp was the bishop of Smryna, the ancient Greek city that stood where Izmir is now. Polycarp was martyred by the Romans in 155AD. The church has been damaged at various times due to fire and weather but is now restored to how it was 300 years ago. At the beginning of the century the murals were restored by the French architect Raymond Pee.

MOSQUES

Hisar Mosque

Hisar Mosque – The largest mosque in Izmir, built in 1598.

Basdurak Mosque – Built in 1652.

Kestane Pazan Mosque – Built in 1668.

Corak Kapi Mosque – Built in 1747.

Konak (YALI) Mosque – Located in front of the Government House, it was built in 1754.

Kursunlu Mosque – The oldest mosque in Izmir, built in the 16th century by Sultan Selim 1.

Shadirvan Mosque – Built in the 16th century.

Kizlaragas Mosque – Built in 1745, on the plan of a market han