6 places to visit in the Gaziemir district of Izmir: Adnan Menderes Airport, ESBAŞ Free Zone and Surroundings and Gaziemir Pond Park. Plan your trip to Gaziemir with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The historical name of the district was Seydiköy, and it was known by this name until 1965.

History

Seydiköy and its surroundings came under Turkish rule during the period of Aydınoğlu Gazi Umur Bey. The land registry survey of 1530 shows that Seydiköy was founded by Yörük tribes who migrated from Konya. Gaziemir became a district on 3 June 1992 after separating from Konak district.

Geography and Infrastructure

Gaziemir has emerged in recent years as an area where industry and trade have developed. Adnan Menderes Airport, Gaziemir Air Base, Fuar İzmir and the Aegean Free Zone lie within the district boundaries.

Population and Social Structure

Gaziemir has a population in which migrants from Rumelia form the main element. The district has become a settlement with a significant military presence, through the establishment of the Air Technical Training Command and the later Transport Brigade Command.

History and Culture

Seydiköy was founded by Yörük tribes migrating from Konya. Gaziemir became a district in 1992 after separating from Konak. Migrants from Kavala played an important role in the redevelopment and construction of Seydiköy.

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Places to Visit in Gaziemir

  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
  • 3 Attraction
  • 1 Other
Other

Adnan Menderes Airport

İzmir's air transport hub.

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Attraction

ESBAŞ Free Zone and Surroundings

The Aegean Free Zone (ESBAŞ), Türkiye's first free zone, was established in Gaziemir in 1990. Modern shopping centres and business areas have developed around the zone.

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Nature

Gaziemir Pond Park

The pond to the east of Gaziemir and its surroundings, with walking trails, cycle paths and picnic areas, is a place for families to relax.

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Attraction

Sevgi Yolu

The pedestrian street in the centre of Gaziemir, with cafés, restaurants and shops, is the district's social hub.

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Attraction

İzmir Optimum Outlet

A shopping centre within the boundaries of Gaziemir.

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Religious

Seyyid Mükremeddin Zaviye

A zaviye and charitable foundation complex that forms the core of the first Turkish settlement at Seydiköy.

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Places to Visit Around Izmir Province

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While you are in Gaziemir, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts; Gaziemir is about 15 km from the provincial centre.

  • 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 Gaziemir

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

What to Eat in Gaziemir

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  • İzmir Köfte

    İzmir köfte, with tomato sauce and potatoes, is baked and served. It is prepared using the traditional recipe in restaurants in Gaziemir.

  • Boyoz

    Boyoz, İzmir's signature pastry, is sold fresh every morning in the bakeries of Gaziemir.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Gaziemir

  • Aviation and Industrial Heritage

    Thanks to its proximity to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport and its free zone, Gaziemir is one of İzmir's industrial and logistics centres.

Local Products

  • Gaziemir Olive Oil — Olive oil made from the olive groves around Gaziemir, sold in local markets.

Economy

Gaziemir's economy is based on industry, logistics and trade. The ESBAŞ Free Zone, proximity to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport and the organised industrial zones form the economic foundation of the district.

How to Get to Gaziemir

Gaziemir is 15 km from İzmir city centre. Access is provided by the İZBAN suburban train and ESHOT buses. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is very close to the district boundaries.

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Gaziemir: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to see in Gaziemir?

The top 6 places in Gaziemir are Adnan Menderes Airport, ESBAŞ Free Zone and Surroundings, Gaziemir Pond Park, Sevgi Yolu, İzmir Optimum Outlet and Seyyid Mükremeddin Zaviye.

What is there to eat in Gaziemir?

İzmir Köfte and Boyoz are the standout flavours on Gaziemir's tables.

What is Gaziemir famous for?

Gaziemir is known for Gaziemir Olive Oil and its Aviation and Industrial Heritage. Olive oil made from the olive groves around Gaziemir is sold in local markets.

How do I get to Gaziemir?

Gaziemir is 15 km from İzmir city centre. Access is provided by the İZBAN suburban train and ESHOT buses. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is very close to the district boundaries.

How many days should I spend in Gaziemir?

The recommended visit is half a day. The best time to visit is spring and autumn.

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