”An 8.500 year old past with heroes, poets, philosophers and artists… İzmir is blending the fast changing history of Anatolia with the colourful history of the Agean. It is told that the city was named after an Amazon Queen, Smyrna.
İzmir is also known as the hometown of Homer, the Master of Poets.”
     The ancient classical city, Ephesus, one of the best preserved in the eastern Mediterranean is in Selcuk / İzmir.
     Selcuk has many historical remains of early Christianity, including a house which many believe to have been visited by the Virgin Mary, and Ayasoluk Hill where St. John wrote his Gospel.
     Bergama/İzmir is one of Turkey's oldest civilized settlements which has been inhabited from pre-historic times through the Ionic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. Asclepion, an important health center of the ancient world, the acropolis on the top of a 300 m steep hill and the Temple of Serapis make this area a fascinating stop for history-loving tourists.
     Thermal springs of İzmir, or as in Homer’s epics, Agamemnon Thermal Springs, where the wounded soldiers of Agememnon healed, have been used to cure various ailments since ancient times. İzmir’s hot water mud baths and mineral springs are said to cure upper respiratory inflammation, nephritis, rheumatism, skin diseases and metabolism problems.
     The coastal belt surrounding Izmir has naturally formed beaches and small bays in nearly every center of settlement. The Main Beaches of Izmir and its surroundingsinclude:
          • Çeşme, a charming convergence of healing mineral springs, excellent beaches, crystal clear waters and sun. It is also famous for its wonderful bay, Alaçatı, a paradise for windsurfers.
          • Foça, besides its historical importance, attracts people with its natural beauties.
     İzmir is also an important cruise destination hosting approximately 400,000 tourists annually.