Witnessing 8.500 years of human history, Izmir is the important trade and production center of the Aegean Region. It was established on the shores of the Gulf and ranks third among 81 provinces in Türkiye in terms of both population and socioeconomic development. Izmir International Port is one of the most important ports in the country by serving 70.000 business enthusiasts, 6000 industrialists and nearly 100.000 tradesmen. It is also one of the important commercial routes of Turkey with 13 industrial zones and 2 free zones within the city. With its versatile production opportunities, rich natural resources and quality of life; Izmir is a prominent city both in Türkiye and the world.
The city, which shows significant potential in all main sectors of agriculture, industry and services, constitutes 5.3% of Türkiye's population, which is 4,113,072, according to the 2014 census. Located in the west of the Anatolian Peninsula, on the coast of the Aegean Sea, the city's surface area is 12,012 km². The summer tourism of the city, which has an average of 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, has developed naturally with a coastline of 629 kilometers and a favorable climate. It attracts visitors from all over the world, as well as domestic tourists from all cities of Türkiye. Along its shores, there are 35 beaches with "Blue Flag", an international environmental award given to beaches and marinas. Izmir, which Victor Hugo describes as "princess", is a dynamic metropolis that continues to grow, as well as an old and deep-rooted city that was once engraved on ancient coins.
Being a commercial and port city since time immemorial, İzmir has hosted many civilizations since its establishment and thanks to this; different cultures have been blended in İzmir.
Ephesus, the best preserved classical ancient city in the Eastern Mediterranean, is located in Selçuk/İzmir.
Selçuk is home to many early Christian ruins, such as the house believed to have been visited by the Virgin Mary, and Ayasuluk Hill, where St. John wrote the Bible.
Bergama, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the oldest settlements in Türkiye with settlements from prehistoric times to the Ionian, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. Asclepion, the important health center of the ancient world, the Acropolis on top of a 300-meter cliff and the Temple of Serapis make the region rich in terms of historical tourism.
The population of Çeşme, which is a small holiday district in İzmir that has reached a worldwide reputation, increases tens of times during the summer season. Located on a peninsula, this point where the north and south winds collide makes it very attractive for windsurfing enthusiasts. Especially with the International Windsurfing Competition held in September, it attracts many people to this pleasant town. Located 70 km away from the city center, Foça also hosts thousands of people with sea-sand-sun tourism in summer. In addition to Menderes, where Gümüldür Beach is located, Dikili, Seferihisar and Karaburun offer alternatives in terms of nature and sea tourism with their unique beauties.
With museums such as the İzmir Archeology Museum, Etnography Museum, İzmir History and Art Museum, İzmir History and Art Museum, as well as more specialized museums such as Mask Museum, Game and Toy Museum, Railway Museum and İnciraltı Naval Museum, the city appeals to everyone and all tastes. Apart from museums, with the conversion of dozens of restored old mansions and manors into modern cultural centers, countless exhibitions, concerts and movie screenings are made for the enthusiasts 365 days a year.
İzmir is a pioneering city that articulates contemporary Türkiye to the world's universal values. Many firsts in the history of Türkiye took place in İzmir. Turkish women appeared on the theater stage for the first time in İzmir. Football was played for the first time in Türkiye in İzmir. On February 17, 1923, the first Economic Congress of the Republic was held in İzmir. First International Fair of the Republic was organized in İzmir. The city has also hosted the world's major sports organizations such as the Mediterranean Olympics and the Universiade with great hospitality.
İzmir continues to transfer these values, which it carries with its 8500 years of rich historical and cultural background to the third millennium.