4 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.

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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.

History

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.

Geography

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.

Economy

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.

History and Culture

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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Places to Visit in Torbalı

  • 3 Ancient City
  • 1 Nature
Ancient City

Metropolis Ancient City

The ancient city whose name is considered the source of Torbalı's name. It has been settled since the 3000s BC.

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Nature

Küçük Menderes Plain

The fertile plain surrounding Torbalı, with its vegetable and fruit gardens, lies at the heart of Aegean agriculture.

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Ancient City

Mount Nif

The remains uncovered in excavations on Mount Nif date from the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods.

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Ancient City

Metropolis Theatre

An ancient marble theatre built on a natural slope, which hosted the social and cultural life of the ancient city.

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Places to Visit Around Izmir Province

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While 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.

  • 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 Torbalı

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

What to Eat in Torbalı

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  • Torbalı Kuru Domatesi (Torbalı sun-dried tomatoes)

    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.

  • Boyoz

    Izmir's emblem, boyoz is a classic breakfast dish served with boiled egg.

  • Söğüş

    An Izmir dish of boiled tongue and cheek meat served with spices.

  • Zeytinyağlı Ege Otları (olive-oil herb dishes)

    The olive oil dishes of Aegean cuisine, prepared with herbs.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Torbalı

  • Ancient heritage

    The district is a transit region between the important Ionian cities.

Local Products

  • Vegetables and fruit — Intensive vegetable and fruit farming takes place on the Küçük Menderes Plain.

Economy

The economy is based on agriculture and a growing industrial zone.

How to Get to Torbalı

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.

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Torbalı: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Torbalı?

The 4 highlights in Torbalı are: Metropolis Ancient City, Küçük Menderes Plain, Mount Nif and Metropolis Theatre.

What to eat in Torbalı?

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.

What is Torbalı famous for?

Torbalı is known for vegetables and fruit and its ancient heritage. Intensive vegetable and fruit farming takes place on the Küçük Menderes Plain.

How do I get to Torbalı?

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.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Torbalı?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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