5 places to visit in the Karabağlar district of Izmir: Yeşildere Valley, Uzundere Waterfall and Karabağlar Market. Plan your trip to Karabağlar with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Karabağlar is the second-largest district in İzmir province by population, after Buca.

History

The Emrez and Aktepe neighbourhoods of Karabağlar, one of İzmir’s oldest settlements, were covered with black grape vineyards about two hundred years ago. The Bozyaka vineyards, which were the subject of novels by Reşat Nuri Güntekin in the 1920s, were preserved until the 1970s. Karabağlar became a district on 22 March 2008, when Law no. 5747, accepted on 6 March 2008 and published in the Official Gazette, separated it from Konak district.

Geography

To the north of the district lie Konak, to the east Buca and Gaziemir, to the south Menderes, and to the west Güzelbahçe and Seferihisar. To the north-west lie the districts of Balçova and Narlıdere. The district has 55 neighbourhoods.

Education and Infrastructure

İzmir Democracy University is located in the district. Access to the district is provided by metro and ESHOT buses.

History and Culture

Karabağlar became a district in 2008 after separating from Konak district. The villages of Kavacık and Tırazlı, which were attached to Konak, were also attached to Karabağlar.

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Places to Visit in Karabağlar

  • 2 Historic
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
Nature

Yeşildere Valley

The Yeşildere Valley, stretching south of Karabağlar, offers an urban nature escape with walking trails and green areas. Remains of historic water aqueducts can be seen along the valley.

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Nature

Uzundere Waterfall

A small waterfall at Uzundere, south-east of Karabağlar, which is worth seeing especially in rainy periods.

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Attraction

Karabağlar Market

Karabağlar's large neighbourhood market, a lively shopping spot selling fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses and olive oil, and other products of the Aegean.

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Historic

Bozyaka Vineyards

The vineyards that were the subject of novels by Reşat Nuri Güntekin, preserved until the 1970s.

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Historic

Emrez and Aktepe Neighbourhoods

Former neighbourhoods covered with black grape vineyards about two hundred years ago.

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Places to Visit Around Izmir Province

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While you are in Karabağlar, 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 Karabağlar

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

What to Eat in Karabağlar

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  • Boyoz

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

  • Kumru

    Kumru bread filled with sucuk, kaşar cheese and tomato, made into a toastie. It is one of İzmir's most popular street foods.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Karabağlar

  • Viticulture Heritage

    Karabağlar took its name from the grape vineyards covering the area during the Ottoman period. The expression 'kara bağlar' describes lush and fertile vineyards. This viticultural tradition forms the basis of the district's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Karabağlar Grapes — The vineyards that gave the district its name were once among İzmir's most important grape-producing areas. Although they have declined with urbanisation, viticulture continues in some areas.

Economy

Karabağlar is one of İzmir's most populous districts. Trade, the service sector and small-scale industry are the main economic activities. New housing projects are being developed in the Uzundere and Yeşildere areas.

How to Get to Karabağlar

Karabağlar adjoins the city centre of İzmir. It is connected to all of İzmir by the İzmir Metro, ESHOT buses and the İZBAN.

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Karabağlar: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to see in Karabağlar?

The top 5 places in Karabağlar are Yeşildere Valley, Uzundere Waterfall, Karabağlar Market, Bozyaka Vineyards and Emrez and Aktepe Neighbourhoods.

What is there to eat in Karabağlar?

Boyoz and Kumru are the standout flavours on Karabağlar's tables.

What is Karabağlar famous for?

Karabağlar is known for Karabağlar Grapes and its Viticulture Heritage. The vineyards that gave the district its name were once among İzmir's most important grape-producing areas. Although they have declined with urbanisation, viticulture continues in some areas.

How do I get to Karabağlar?

Karabağlar adjoins the city centre of İzmir. It is connected to all of İzmir by the İzmir Metro, ESHOT buses and the İZBAN.

How many days should I spend in Karabağlar?

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

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