Agora, Izmir (must see)

The Agora in Izmir holds a significant place in the city's history and continues to be a center for artistic and educational activities. Situated on the northern slopes of the Pagos hills, the Agora served as the bustling commercial, judicial, and political hub of the ancient city of Smyrna.

Today, the Izmir Agora Open Air Museum consists of five distinct parts, each offering insights into different aspects of ancient life. The agora area itself was a bustling marketplace, where traders, artisans, and locals converged to engage in commerce and social interactions. The base of the northern basilica gate is a striking feature that showcases the architectural brilliance of the time.

The stoa, a covered walkway with columns, provided shelter and shade for those conducting business or seeking respite from the elements. Additionally, the ancient shopping center offered a glimpse into the vibrant and bustling commercial life of the era.

The origins of the Agora in Izmir date back to the Hellenistic era. Following a devastating earthquake in 178 AD, Smyrna underwent reconstruction in the Roman period, based on a well-thought-out urban plan by Hippodamos. The Agora was built on a sloping terrain, spanning three floors and positioned near the heart of the city. Its impressive dimensions include a width of 165 meters and a length of 200 meters, encompassed on all sides by porticos.

An interesting aspect that contributed to the preservation of the Agora is its location beneath a Byzantine and later Ottoman cemetery. This circumstance protected the site from modern constructions, allowing it to retain its historical authenticity and grandeur.

As a result of these fortunate circumstances, the Izmir Agora stands today as the largest and best-preserved among Ionian agoras, providing valuable insights into the lives and activities of ancient civilizations.