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.
View on map5 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.
Karabağlar is the second-largest district in İzmir province by population, after Buca.
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.
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.
İzmir Democracy University is located in the district. Access to the district is provided by metro and ESHOT buses.
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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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.
View on mapA small waterfall at Uzundere, south-east of Karabağlar, which is worth seeing especially in rainy periods.
View on mapKarabağlar's large neighbourhood market, a lively shopping spot selling fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses and olive oil, and other products of the Aegean.
View on mapThe vineyards that were the subject of novels by Reşat Nuri Güntekin, preserved until the 1970s.
View on mapFormer neighbourhoods covered with black grape vineyards about two hundred years ago.
View on mapWhile you are in Karabağlar, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts.
Boyoz, İzmir's signature pastry, is baked fresh every morning in the bakeries of Karabağlar.
Kumru bread filled with sucuk, kaşar cheese and tomato, made into a toastie. It is one of İzmir's most popular street foods.
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.
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.
Karabağlar adjoins the city centre of İzmir. It is connected to all of İzmir by the İzmir Metro, ESHOT buses and the İZBAN.
The top 5 places in Karabağlar are Yeşildere Valley, Uzundere Waterfall, Karabağlar Market, Bozyaka Vineyards and Emrez and Aktepe Neighbourhoods.
Boyoz and Kumru are the standout flavours on Karabağlar's tables.
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.
Karabağlar adjoins the city centre of İzmir. It is connected to all of İzmir by the İzmir Metro, ESHOT buses and the İZBAN.
The recommended visit is half a day. The best time to visit is spring and autumn.