Hello from İzmir! İzmir is one of the most attractive cities in terms of coastal tourism, as it embodies all the characteristics of the Mediterranean

Hello from İzmir! İzmir is one of the most attractive cities in terms of coastal tourism, as it embodies all the characteristics of the Mediterranean climate, possesses a coastline of more than 600 km with several touristic coastal districts like Dikili, Foça, Urla, Karaburun, Çeşme, Seferihisar, Gümüldür and Selçuk. It is the first city in Turkey that offers various cultural and touristic options at once, such as the fascinating combination of sea, sun and sand, the matchless ruin sites like Ephesus and Bergama, the Temple of Artemis which is one of the seven wonders of the world, numerous museums, and unique villages like Şirince and Gödence. İzmir is also a significant centre for Faith Tourism with the House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John and three of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Pergamon, Smyrna, Ephesus) mentioned in the Bible. In the city centre, Smyrna-Tepekule which has survived since antiquity, Kadifekale (Mount Pagos) built by Alexander the Great, the ancient Agora, Kemeraltı bazaar with its unique architectural structure and cultural atmosphere, as well as the mosques churches, synagogues and inns are the major places of touristic attraction. In order to increase the touristic demand both within Turkey and from abroad by introducing the above mentioned rich historical, cultural and natural values of İzmir and to create attractiveness and a vision in our tourism as well as to further improve our contact and cooperation with non-governmental organizations and private sector, we are publishing the first issue of İzmir Culture and Tourism Periodical in September 2009. I firmly believe that the journal will fill an important gap in our efforts to promote İzmir. I express my thanks to all İzmirians who have contributed to the preparation of the magazine and those who have provided financial and spiritual support in realizing this project, which will help the introduction of our city and the development of our tourism. Abdülaziz EDİZ Deputy Director of Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism 06 İZMİR Eylül - Ekim / September - October 2009