Izmir (Turkey)

Izmir is a major seaport and Turkey's 3rd most populous city (following Istanbul and Ankara (country's capital)) with population over 3 million (metro around 4,3 million). Approx 50 km (31 mi) to the south is the world's 4th-largest shipbreaking facility - Aliaga.

Port Izmir (locode TRIZM) is located on a sheltered bay in Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean), surrounded by mountains on all sides. Besides passenger ships 9ferries and cruise vessels) the port serves large container ships. In October 2018, APM Terminals (The Hague-based international container terminal operator) signed an agreement to divest Izmir Aliaga Terminal, selling it to SOCAR Turkiye. APM Terminals will continue to manage the facility, which will be operated by Petlim (fully-owned by SOCAR subsidiary). The renamed Petlim Container Terminal is ranked the largest in Aegean Turkey, and country's 3rd largest (after Istanbul-Ambarli, and Mersin), with annual capacity around 1,3 million TEUs (containers).

The seaport is also used as gateway to Turkey's ancient sites Ephesus (among world's largest religious and archaeological sites) and Sardis (ancient city in Manisa Province). The city has an Archaelogical Museum with an unique collection of artifacts from these areas. The bazaar (city market) is second only to Istanbul's. Cruise ship tourists can also visit Cesme Peninsula popular for its picturesque villages and beautiful beaches.

In September 2022 was inaugurated the ferry route directly linking Turkey and Greece - Izmir with Thessaloniki via Mytilene/Lesbos Island.. The project was initiated in 2011. The Ä°zmir-Thessaloniki route is currently served by the Athens-based company Levanta Ferries with the RoPax ship Smyrna di Levante (1977-built, IMO 7527887, passenger capacity 950, cargo capacity 300 cars plus 55 lorries/semi-trailer trucks). The new passenger shipping service is provided once weekly, with crossing time ~12-13 hours (depending on sea/weather conditions). The maiden voyage departed from Thessaloniki on October 10, 2022.

Izmir (as Smyrna) was established in the early-11th century BC. In late-7th century BC, the town was devastated by the Lydians, in the 4th century BC restored by the Macedonians and later conquered by the Romans. Smyrna was part of the Byzantine Empire (330-1453) during the 4th century AD. In 1415 it became part of the Ottoman Empire (1299-1923). After WW1 (1914-1918) Greece claimed Izmir, but in 1922 the Greeks were driven out by the Turkish forces.

The city boasts a busy schedule of exhibitions, congresses and trade fairs. izmir's local festival and the fair are held in the huge inner city park (Kulturpark) during September's first days. International Izmir Festival (mid-June until mid-July) is also held annually. During the festival, world-class performers (orchestras, soloists, dance companies, musical groups) give live concerts and recitals at various venues in the city and its surrounding areas, including at the ancient theatres of Ephesus and Metropolis (close to Torbalı).