Ancient Smyrna is one of the oldest settlements in the Aegean region. The first settlement at this site, Bayraklı, probably dates back to the Bronze Age (3500 B.C.). Excavations of its ruins began in 1948 and are still continuing. Archaeological findings from the Troy II civilization layer indicate that Ionians and Aeolians inhabited this coastal city in the 11th century B.C.
In the 8th and 7th centuries B.C., the region came under the rule of the Phrygians and later the Lydians. The city, which was sacked during that period, subsequently fell under Persian control. In 330 B.C., Alexander the Great took command of the city. According to legend, while asleep on Mount Pegasus (Kadifekale) to the south of ancient Smyrna, Alexander was visited by the goddess Nemesis. She instructed him to rebuild the city on the hill. Following Alexander's death, the Hellenistic city of Smyrna was founded on this site. With its strategic harbor and easy access to the fertile hinterland, Smyrna quickly regained its position as one of the region's leading maritime cities.
In 288 B.C., the city came under the rule of the Kingdom of Pergamum. After the death of King Attalos III, it was incorporated into the Roman Empire in accordance with the former king's will. Much later, in the 7th century A.D., the city faced attacks from Arab raiders.
Smyrna served as an important cultural and religious center during the classical Roman and Byzantine periods. Subsequently, the city was taken by the Seljuk Turks. During their rule, the famous naval admiral Çaka Bey served as the governor of Izmir. During the Crusades, Izmir was also occupied by European knights. In 1402, the city was captured by Tamerlane. In 1415, the city came under Ottoman rule.
Following World War I, Izmir was occupied by Greek forces between May 15, 1919, and September 9, 1922.
Today, Izmir is Turkey's third-largest city. The International İzmir Fair, which began as a modest regional event, has become one of the most important trading and cultural expositions for Mediterranean, Aegean, and Middle Eastern countries.
The ancient agora is one of the city's most significant historical sites. The remains of Roman buildings, including the aqueduct from Kemer Stream and mosques from the Ottoman period, continue to impress visitors. Statues of Poseidon and Demeter discovered here are on display in the city's Archaeological Museum, which also houses an excellent collection of artifacts from the Aegean region spanning from the Archaic through the Roman periods. The aqueduct from Kemer Stream was originally built in the Byzantine era and later restored by the Ottomans.
The house of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the Kordon area is also among the city's must-see attractions.