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 Recent archeological discoveries in the eastern İzmir, shows that the city dates back 8,500 years.
During the Hittite Civilization, İzmir and its powerful neighbouring regions, were key political components, playing an important role as the link between Anatolia and Greece.
Today the Aegean Region has helped to shape the world's cultural makeup by being an important center for philopsophy, science, art and trade for several civilizations over many centuries. Out of the 12 Ancient Ionian League Cities, seven lie within the borders of İzmir (Klazomenai, Phokai, Kolophon, Teos, Lebedos, Erythrai and Ephesus). As the famous historian Herodotus once stated "under the most beautiful sky and the most beautiful climate" the city of İzmir; continues to grow. During the Ancient Ionian Period, İzmir and its surrounding area experienced its most prosperous period.
Throughout history, powerful nations and emporers have been drawn towards İzmir, the city of ports. This includes the Lydian Civilization which reined over the Western Anatolian Region during the 7th century BC. The Lydian capital of Sardes, lies today within the borders of Salihli, a city east of İzmir.
In the year 546 BC, the Persian Empire reigned over the Lydian Kingdom and Anatolia. With the Persian ruling lasting 200 years, the Persian and Hellenic Empires cultures combined and resulted in many Greco-Persian structures throughout the city.
The entrance of Alexander the Great to İzmir in 334 BC brought the end of Persian domination. As this brought the beginning of the Hellenic Period; Alexander the Great still held an important place in the history of  İzmir. Known as Smyrna during the reign of Alexander the Great, the beginning of the Hellenic period resulted in a shift in the center of the city to Pagos (Kadifekale). The natural port developed within the walls helped İzmir grow in and around the Kadifekale Region; which is the same location of the city of İzmir we known today.
After the death of Alexander the Great, the city and its surrounding regions were divided amongst the commanding officers. The region known as Pergamon (Bergama) ruled by the Seleukos became a kingdom. Currently, Pergamon is known as the ancient world's most important health center. Later, with the succession of Pergamon, a path opened for the Romans to rule over Anatolia.
During the rule of the Roman Empire, İzmir went through one of its most influential periods. Agora came about in the center of the city, following an earthquake in 178 BC created and repaired significantly by Emperor Markus Aurelius.
The "Western Entrance" was given the name of Queen Faustina. Ancient writer Strabon (6th Century BC) once stated that İzmir "is the most beautiful city of its time".
With one of the 7 Revelation Churches located in İzmir (ancient Smryna-Church), and "The house of Virgin Mary", the holy mother of Christianity, located at Bülbül Hill; İzmir is also a very important place in the history of Christianity.
Later ruled by the Byzantine Empire, the city became an important capital for trade. Between the 14th and 15th centuries the city was ruled both by the Byzantines and the Geneve's. In 1422 the city joined the Ottoman Empire and to this day it has been ruled by the Turks.
In the 16th century following the takeover of the island of Chios by the Ottoman Empire, Europe's consulates began to relocate to İzmir. Following periodic developments in trade, İzmir became a trade junction point between the east and the west.
As he past through to the city on his way to Egypt, Christian ecclesiastic and traveller Müller mentioned the following about the port of İzmir: "A mixtures of boats and ships from France, Gallia, Holland, England and nearly 70 countries counted; three times a year trains come from countries like Iran, Mongolia, China and various other Levantine and Middle Eastern countries. As the caravans arrive the 4,000-5,000 loads of cargo are unloaded in İzmir." This helped state the important role İzmir played in the world trade.
With the building of a new port and the development of the new railway system reaching Western and Middle Anatolia, the second half of the 19th century brought about a period of growth and expansion for the city. Since then İzmir is well known for its multiculturel atmosphere, surrounding many different people with different believes, on which the traditional indulgence air of the city based.
As a significant point in world history, World War I (1914 - 1918) brought a new period which lasted with the formation of the Republic of Turkey. By helping to be the ending point of "the War of Independence", the city of İzmir was given the title as the most modern city of the Republic of Turkey and to this day continues to carry this title.
The history of 8,500 years is calling for you...
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