Overall Score
West of Turkey, on the coast of the Gulf of Europe on the Sea of Egypt, lies the city of Izmir (Smyrna), surrounded by hills. Its territory is dominated by the Mediterranean climate.
In the course of its existence since its founding, Isemir has undergone many tragic events and economic upheavals, alternating with periods of decline. The leaders have changed, but the citys gray appearance has remained unchanged. Beginning in 1923, after the formation of the Türkiye Republic, a wave of migrants from Anatolia settled in Izmir. The city soon became one of the most important cultural and artistic centers of the young nation. During the Roman conquest the city was part of one of the Roman provinces, called Asia, and was its capital. After the fall of Rome, the city suffered its downfall. During the period of the Roman Empire, it became a prosperous and economically productive and large settlement. During the conquest by Tamerlane, the city was conquered in 1402. In the beginning of the 14th century, the Turks took over power in Smyrna. Initially the city was the center of the pashulak, and then in 1864 it became the capital of the state of Aydin. Most of the townspeople of todays Yzmir were Greek and Armenian in the early 20th century. Because of this reason, the Muslim population called the city "Geumir Yzemir; (Quot;Nevert Smyrna").
After World War I, Yzemir was to pass under the Peace Treaty into the possession of Germany. The Turkish troops entered the city in June, 1922, but did not agree to the treaty. As a result of their invasion, the Turkish population was exterminated. The city was ransacked and destroyed, and fires burned in the streets.
Modern Izmir is a thriving industrial city known for its historic heritage. There are many museums here. One of them, an archaeological museum, has a collection of various objects that were found during the excavations. Among them are monumental pieces of art – masterpieces of a bygone era.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 37 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Religious
- Population: 2,800,000 people
- GDP: $10,863 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 12 Mbps
- Best wireless: TurkCell
- Pay without cash:
- Tipping: In Turkey tipping is customary between 5% and 10%, depending on service. Don’t tip if you receive bad service. Tips must be in cash, preferably in Turkish Lira, and be given directly to the waiter. If you dine in luxury you should tip between 10% and 15%.
- Apartment listings: Sahibinden
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Online electronics shop: Hepsiburada
- Best hospital: Medical Park
- Best short-haul air carrier: Turkish Airlines
- Best intl air carrier: Turkish Airlines
- Monthly costs for expat: $360
- Monthly costs for family: $650
- Monthly costs for local: $190
- Meal: $1.4
- Small Cola: $0.2
- Beer 1 Pint: $1.8
- Coffee: $0.4
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