City history
From the ancient streets of Smyrna to the modern shores of the Aegean, Izmir's history is a continuous timeline of cultural exchange.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Etymology is disputed; potentially named after a local figure or the legend of Smyrna."
The ancient settlement of Smyrna served as a critical maritime and commercial center during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Ancient Greek name
Used by Greeks, Romans, and during various stages of the Ottoman period.
Turkish name
The contemporary name following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
Chapter two
Turkey moved to permanent UTC+3 year-round, effectively ending the seasonal daylight saving time practice.
Turkey began implementing daylight saving time changes to align with European seasonal patterns.
Chapter three
The city began its long history as a major maritime trade hub in the Aegean region.
Built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne.
The city transitioned into its modern era following the Turkish War of Independence.
The expansion and modernization of the Izmir Metro system enhanced connectivity across the metropolitan area.