3 places to visit in the Menemen district of Izmir: Menemen Museum (Kubilay Museum), Kubilay Monument and Menemen Historic Bazaar. Plan your trip to Menemen with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Menemen is famous for its namesake dish, its çileği, its testi jugs and other pottery products.
The Menemen Uprising, one of the most important events in the history of the Republic and a revolt against the secular state order, took place here. On 23 December 1930, Derviş Mehmet, a Sharia advocate, came to the government house and staged an uprising; the event went down in history as the Menemen Incident. Menemen was liberated on 9 September 1922.
The district centre is 18 metres above sea level. The Gediz Delta lies in the coastal area.
Menemen is a dish made with eggs, peppers, tomatoes and sometimes onions. It was first made by Cretan Turks who came to the district during the population exchange.
On 16 June 1919, during the occupation, Menemen District Governor Kemal Bey and six gendarmes were killed. On 23 December 1930, a reactionary (irticai) uprising broke out in Menemen. 9 September is accepted as Menemen’s Liberation Day.
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A museum founded in memory of Second Lieutenant Kubilay, who was killed in Menemen in 1930. It documents one of the key events in the history of the Republic, with period photographs and documents on display.
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The monument erected for Second Lieutenant Kubilay, who was killed in the reactionary (irtica) incident of 23 December 1930, stands in Menemen Square. Commemoration ceremonies are held every year.
View on mapA historic bazaar dating from the Ottoman period. Its traditional shops and stone buildings reflect Menemen's trading past.
View on mapWhile you are in Menemen, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts.
Menemen, made by cooking tomatoes, peppers and eggs in olive oil, takes its name from this district. It is an essential dish on the Turkish breakfast table.
Izmir's signature boyoz is also made by bakeries in Menemen using the traditional recipe.
A dish of tomatoes, peppers and eggs, said to have been made by Cretan Turks and to have taken its name from the district.
Menemen holds an important place in the history of the Republic of Türkiye because of the 1930 Kubilay incident. The incident became a symbol of the struggle for secularism.
Menemen's economy is based on agriculture and industry. Cotton, tomatoes, tobacco and grain are the main agricultural products. Production in various sectors takes place in the Menemen Organised Industrial Zone.
Menemen is 35 km from Izmir. Central Izmir can be reached by İZBAN suburban train and ESHOT buses.
The 3 highlights in Menemen are: Menemen Museum (Kubilay Museum), Kubilay Monument and Menemen Historic Bazaar.
Menemen (Egg and Vegetable Dish), Boyoz and Menemen are the standout flavours on Menemen's tables.
Menemen is known for Menemen Menemeni and the Republican and Secular Heritage. Menemen Menemeni is registered with TÜRKPATENT as a geographical indication.
Menemen is 35 km from Izmir. Central Izmir can be reached by İZBAN suburban train and ESHOT buses.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.