Having witnessed 8.500 years of the history of mankind, Izmir is situated by the gulf and is the third largest city and the second most important port Turkey. Situated by the Aegean Sea - in the west of the Anatolian peninsula, the city has an area of 12.012 square metres and a population of approximately 4 million. One of the oldest port towns of the world, Izmir has at all times been a meeting point for people of different cultures, languages and religions.

Izmir is the port of a large hinterland containing the Gediz and Menderes basins. The most prominent foreign trading city of Turkey with free trade zones, industrial zones and sea transport, Izmir has an extremely qualified labour force and a developed infrastructure. It is a favourite tourist centre for its environs, rich historical heritage and natural beauties. Quality of industrial products produced at Izmir is of a nature meeting any international standards. Moreover, agriculture-based industries are quite developed as well. Cotton, grapes, figs, dried fruits, spices, alcoholic beverages, animal feed and tobacco are the fundamental crops grown in the region.

Situated at the westernmost end of Turkey, Izmir combines a westernised life style with Anatolian traditions and customs as a post and trade throughout its history. Having consolidated cultural tourism through its deep-rooted history and ancient civilisations, belief tourism through its hosting of different faiths, thermal tourism through its geothermal springs and facilities and eco tourism through the natural beauties such as sea, sand and sun, Izmir is a metropolitan city which is eligible for congress tourism with its high quality facilities and exhibitors and festivals organised during the year. 

More information about Izmir: www.Izmir.bel.tr