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 Previously known as Punta, Alsancak is one of the most important residental areas of the city. Alsancak has been described in great detail in the works of many travelers and writers of international fame. Victor Hugo, in his poem "Le Captive", published in his book "Les Orientales" (1829), illustrates İzmir whose fame has reached the Western World, as a princess. "İzmir is a princess with her most beautiful small hat. Happy Springs unceasingly answer to her calls. Just like flowers smiling from a vase, she shines over the seas. Even more passionately than the creation of Archipelago..."
Leaving deep traces in the world literature, the renowned writer Victor Hugo has never visited İzmir, but he neverthenless by the fame of it and by the fact that it was built and christened by an Amazon Queen. The place he describes in his poem is the French district located within boundaries of Alsancak.
 The 19th centuries cultural and arts capital is known to be Paris. However İzmir can be seen as a little Paris or a "Petit Paris" where theaters, movies theaters, operas, social clubs, culture and art meet and where different cultures come together.
Alsancak a place where Greeks, Armenians and Levantine families live together as one, today makes up a large part of İzmir's culture. On both sides of the Kıbrıs Şehitler Street there are many buildings and churches remainig from these years.
Their delectability, authentic  architectures help carry the side street to the sea. This year is the 151 Anniversary Celebration of one of the finest buildings of İzmir, the "Alsancak Station", a real beauty, especailly at night lightnings.
Entertainment and culture live together at Alsancak. During the day, you can visit the Atatürk Museum, the İzmir Museum of History and Arts, the Selçuk Yaşar Museum of Arts, the Railroads Museum, the İzmir Museum of Arts and Sculpture, the İzmir Museum of Commercial History as well as the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Ahmet Priştina Museum of Metropolitan History and Archieve.
Green meet Sea; Kordonboyu
With its transformed coastline İzmir's famous Kordon, has been the theme of many poems and lyrics. The Kordon is known to be full of life and culture.  Having a very significant an prominent role in İzmir, Kordonboyu is the place to visit with its blue bay, green coast, sunset, and the ships hurridly coming to the bustling port and taking off again to disembark their passengers and welcome a new group, embracing the world warmly. It is a must see sight.
In your journey which started at Alsancak and continued along the Kordon, you have reached the port of Pasaport. Now give yourself a short rest, and experience the joy of some tea and a water pipe, laying at terraces running into the sea. Take the time to taste the city together with its residents. Where Kordon meets the city is "Cumhuriyet Meydanı", İzmir's ceremonial square. In the middle of the center you will find a splendor statue of the founder of the Turkish Republic "ATATÜRK". One of the popular places to shoot photos.
The culture and art center that was established by restoring the historic gasworks factory which was created by the French approximately 150 years ago, is built on 24 thousand square meters which 1/3 of it is green area. The center has exhibitions and concert venues, access to internet and computers, cafeterias, an open air cinema, sales units of works of art, an amphitheatre, a parking place, decorative pools and walk paths. The historic gasworks factory is located at only 10 minutes walk from the Alsancak port and presents a good alternative to those who opt to visit the city center.
You Must
Do not miss the delight of smoking a water pipe at one of the cafes by the port of PASAPORT, accompanied by the chatter of the seagulls and the sea view.
First shopping, then entertainment
 During daytime Alsancak is like a big shopping center, later when the sun is replaced by the moon, the district turns in a big entertainment area with its energetic bars and restaurants. Kıbrıs Şehitler Street and Gül Street is on of the favorite places where you can find all kinds of jewellery, food, electronic goods, authentic textile products and giftware in the shops lined both sides of these streets.
After your shopping is done, in the backyard of these mainstreets you will see, feel and hear the extremely colorful and vibrant of Kordonboyu, the long and green Promenade of Alsancak. Here you can find places to listen to all kinds of music, while discovering all types of entertainment. During the day you can enjoy your Turkish style of Tea or your Turkish cup of coffee; and then set your own to the rhythm of the nightlife. Here you will find different places where you can taste Turkish and World Cusine.
You Must
 Try the inseparable twins of İzmir:"boyoz-egg","gevrek-cheese" and "fish-rakı".All while watching the sunset at Kordonboyu.
Culture, Arts and Nature; Kültürpark
Located in the center of our city, Kültürpark offers green fields to those who wants to take some fresh air and a short break. Housing, the Fair Openair Theatre & İzmir-Art activities, which are meeting points for art fans.
Additionally, embedded in the greens of the fair are the History & Art Museum as well as the İzmir Museum of Arts & Sculpture, opening doors for culture and arts.
Every year thousands of people visiting the "İzmir İnternational Fair" organisations, which are more than 30 different fairs yearly.
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