5 places to visit in the Bayraklı district of Izmir: Bayraklı Mound, Folkart Towers and Bayraklı Business Centre and Smyrna Ancient City (Tepekule). Plan your trip to Bayraklı with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Bayraklı is the second smallest district of Izmir by area. It is the new city centre of Izmir, with many skyscrapers.

History

The founders of the first Izmir were a people living in the Bronze Age around 3000 BC, and they lived in Bayraklı. The Tepekule mound was the first settlement founded by the earliest citizens of Izmir, known as Luwi or Lelej. Bayraklı became a district on 22 March 2008, when it separated from Karşıyaka district. The Aegean Sea earthquake of October 2020 caused loss of life and property in the district.

Economy and Development

When the New City Centre project accelerated between 2007 and 2011, Bayraklı was made a district and became Izmir’s new centre. Folkart Towers, Turkey’s second pair of twin skyscrapers, was built in the district with an investment of 150 million dollars. Izmir City Hospital, built within the district boundaries with an investment of 1.6 billion Turkish lira, opened in 2023.

History and Culture

Excavations have confirmed that the people who founded the first Izmir lived in Bayraklı. The Tepekule mound in Bayraklı is considered the first settlement, founded around 5,000 years ago. Although Smyrna is not a prominent archaeological site for tourism, it is an open-air museum showing the history of the modern city.

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Places to Visit in Bayraklı

  • 1 Historic
  • 2 Ancient City
  • 1 Cultural
  • 1 Other
Ancient City

Bayraklı Mound

The settlement area where the first Izmir was founded.

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Cultural

Folkart Towers and Bayraklı Business Centre

Turkey's second twin skyscrapers, modern architectural structures that are the symbol of the city.

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Smyrna Ancient City (Tepekule) - Bayraklı Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Historic

Smyrna Ancient City (Tepekule)

Smyrna, dating back to around 3000 BC, is the original founding site of Izmir. Excavations at Tepekule in Bayraklı have revealed layers from the Hittite, Ionian and Roman periods. It is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia.

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Ancient City

Smyrna (Bayraklı Mound)

The ancient city of Smyrna, built on the mound in Bayraklı; excavations have revealed Geometric, Archaic and Classical layers.

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Other

Folkart Towers

Turkey's second twin skyscrapers, which have become the symbol of the city.

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Places to Visit Around Izmir Province

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While you are in Bayraklı, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts.

  • Ephesus Ancient City — An ancient city in Selçuk that was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. Its most important structures are the 2nd-century Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre seating 25,000, Curetes Street and the Terraced Houses with their frescoes and mosaics.
  • Pergamon Acropolis (Bergama) — Capital of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon, famous for its theatre on a steep slope, the Temple of Trajan and the foundation of the Altar of Zeus, which is now displayed in Berlin.
  • Temple of Artemis — The remains of the temple, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in Selçuk; only a single column still stands today.
  • House of the Virgin Mary — On Mount Bülbül near Selçuk, a house believed in Christian tradition to be where Mary spent her last years; identified in 1891, it is an important pilgrimage site that many popes have visited.
  • Izmir Clock Tower — A 25-metre tower in Konak Square, built in 1901 for the 25th anniversary of Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne; it is the symbol of the city.
  • Kemeraltı Bazaar and Kızlarağası Caravanserai — A historic bazaar that grew from the 17th century onwards as the shoreline was filled in; with its caravanserais, mosques, synagogues and narrow lanes it is the heart of the city.

Practical Information for Visiting Bayraklı

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Bayraklı

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  • Boyoz

    Boyoz, the signature flavour of Izmir, is prepared fresh every morning in Bayraklı's traditional bakeries. It is eaten together with boiled eggs.

  • Lokma

    Lokma, prepared by frying balls of dough and soaking them in syrup, is a traditional dessert distributed on special occasions in Izmir.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Bayraklı

  • Ancient Smyrna Heritage

    Bayraklı is the starting point of Izmir's 5,000-year history. The Smyrna remains at Tepekule represent the city's oldest cultural heritage.

Local Products

  • Izmir Tulum Cheese — Cheese made from goat's milk and matured in a goatskin bag, an indispensable part of Izmir breakfast tables.

Economy

Bayraklı is rapidly developing as Izmir's new central business district. The courthouse, tax office and many public institutions have moved to the district. Trade, services and construction are the main economic activities.

How to Get to Bayraklı

Bayraklı is located in central Izmir. İZBAN, the metro and ESHOT buses provide connections to all of Izmir. Altınyol and Anadolu Avenue are the main transport arteries.

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Bayraklı: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Bayraklı?

The 5 highlights of Bayraklı are: Bayraklı Mound, Folkart Towers and Bayraklı Business Centre, Smyrna Ancient City (Tepekule), Smyrna (Bayraklı Mound) and Folkart Towers.

What to eat in Bayraklı?

Boyoz and Lokma are the standout dishes on Bayraklı's tables.

What is Bayraklı famous for?

Bayraklı is known for Izmir Tulum Cheese and its Ancient Smyrna Heritage. Cheese made from goat's milk and matured in a goatskin bag is an indispensable part of Izmir breakfast tables.

How do I get to Bayraklı?

Bayraklı is located in central Izmir. İZBAN, the metro and ESHOT buses provide connections to all of Izmir. Altınyol and Anadolu Avenue are the main transport arteries.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Bayraklı?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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