Experience in Izmir, Turkey by Seyma

What is it like to live in Esmirna? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Izmir is an Ancient Greek city where the philosophy started. It’s the birth town of some famous philosophers that you may have heard of such as Thales or Heraclitus. So living in such a city has a really different vibe. It’s a typical Mediterranean city so if you like the warm weather, it’s a paradise for you but that is not just for its weather, also for its nature. Did you know it’s also known as the Pearl of Aegean? It’s a really old city and many civilizations settled on this area in different period of time so it’s possible to find anything from those cultures. Also, the city takes its name from an Amazon queen (Smyrna became Izmir during time). That’s another thing I like about the city because I believe the name also gives it a wild and unique beauty.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Esmirna? Is there any advice you can give?

The public transport system is nice so my recommendation is to find places at the center.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Well, like I mentioned before, Izmir is a multicultural city so you may find food from any culture. But local cuisine is more like typical Mediterranean cuisine. Based on seafood, olive oil and plants. People tend to eat lighter and fresh food here so I believe it’s also a good option for vegans and vegetarians. And my favorite foods... I am a vegetarian for last a couple of months but before that, I really liked to it midye (mussels), it’s a great combo with beer and that combo is a really famous street food in Izmir. Also I highly recommend raki and meze and last but not least, boyoz (it’s a kind of pastery which is really famous in Izmir. )

What places would you recommend visiting in Esmirna?

Well there’s a lot.

Ephesus Ancient City

Pergamon Ancient City

The Temple of Artemis (Diana)

The clock tower

Tarihi Asansor

The House of Virgin Mary

Phocaea

These are the ones coming my mind now but I’m sure there’re more.

Is it good to eat out in Esmirna? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Turkish breakfast is really famous as you probably know. So I definitely suggest trying it and my suggestion for it is a place owned by some immigrants from Crete (it’s possible to meet immigrants from different Balkan countries in izmir because of the exchange after WW1. So place’s name is Morisi. Highly recommend. I don’t eat meat so I usually have meze and salad at local restaurants, and you can find that kinda places all around izmir. I don’t have a specific favorite for it.

Is the nightlife good in Esmirna? Where is good to go?

I’m a pub person myself. I usually prefer quite spots with good music. So I can suggest you my favorite pub, a small and lovey place called Corner Pub, it’s in Karsiyaka, just across the pier.

What advice would you give future students heading to Esmirna?

Prefer local markets and stands for shopping (the best fresh food are there also they’re cheaper)

Doesn’t matter which university you study, live in a central place such as alsancak, karsiyaka etc.