Metropolis Ancient City
The ancient city whose name is considered the source of Torbalı's name. It has been settled since the 3000s BC.
View on map4 places to visit in the Torbalı district of Izmir: Metropolis Ancient City, Küçük Menderes Plain and Mount Nif. Plan your trip to Torbalı with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Torbalı is a district of Izmir province in Türkiye, with an area of 577 km² and an elevation of 39 metres. According to the 2023 census, 214,059 people live in the district. Buca and Kemalpaşa lie to the north, Bayındır and Tire to the east, Selçuk to the south, and the Menderes districts to the west.
Torbalı was founded on the fertile lands of the Küçük Menderes basin. Between Ephesos (Selçuk), Smyrna (Izmir), Colophon and other ancient cities, the area was first settled in the 3000s BC. Torbalı gained district status through a law that took effect on 26 June 1926. In 1927 a municipality was established in the district.
Torbalı lies in the south-east of Izmir province. It is 45 km from the provincial centre. The average elevation of the Torbalı district centre above sea level is 35 metres.
Industry and agriculture play a very important role in the district’s economy. Companies such as Alfemo, Merinos and JTI have opened factories in the district. Since 1989, Torbalı has become Izmir’s largest industrial centre. According to 2015 data, 15 companies are on the list of “The 100 Largest Industrial Enterprises of the Aegean” and five companies are on the list of “Turkey’s 500 Largest Industrial Enterprises”, with headquarters in Torbalı.
After 1425, Torbalı came under Ottoman rule. In 1926 Torbalı separated from the central district and became a district in its own right.
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The ancient city whose name is considered the source of Torbalı's name. It has been settled since the 3000s BC.
View on mapThe fertile plain surrounding Torbalı, with its vegetable and fruit gardens, lies at the heart of Aegean agriculture.
View on mapThe remains uncovered in excavations on Mount Nif date from the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods.
View on mapAn ancient marble theatre built on a natural slope, which hosted the social and cultural life of the ancient city.
View on mapWhile you are in Torbalı, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts; Torbalı is about 36 km from the provincial centre.
Torbalı Kuru Domatesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 18 August 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1196). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Torbalı Chamber of Commerce.
Izmir's emblem, boyoz is a classic breakfast dish served with boiled egg.
An Izmir dish of boiled tongue and cheek meat served with spices.
The olive oil dishes of Aegean cuisine, prepared with herbs.
The district is a transit region between the important Ionian cities.
The economy is based on agriculture and a growing industrial zone.
Torbalı is roughly 36 km from central Izmir as the crow flies. The district is reached by İZBAN suburban train and by road, and is close to Selçuk and Ephesus.
The 4 highlights in Torbalı are: Metropolis Ancient City, Küçük Menderes Plain, Mount Nif and Metropolis Theatre.
Torbalı Kuru Domatesi (Torbalı sun-dried tomatoes), Boyoz, Söğüş and Zeytinyağlı Ege Otları (olive-oil herb dishes) are the standout flavours on Torbalı's tables.
Torbalı is known for vegetables and fruit and its ancient heritage. Intensive vegetable and fruit farming takes place on the Küçük Menderes Plain.
Torbalı is roughly 36 km from central Izmir as the crow flies. The district is reached by İZBAN suburban train and by road, and is close to Selçuk and Ephesus.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.