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İzmir is the third biggest city in Turkey with a
population of around 2.5 million, the second biggest port after Istanbul, and a
good transport hub. Once the ancient city of Smyrna, it is now a modern,
developed, and busy commercial centre, set around a huge bay and surrounded by
mountains and was. The broad boulevards, glass-fronted buildings and modern
shopping centres are dotted
 with
traditional red-tiled roofs, the 18th century market, and old mosques and
churches, although the city has an atmosphere more of Mediterranean Europe than
traditional Turkey.
The climate is comfortable, with a relatively mild summer due to the refreshing
breeze from the Aegean. The long attractive palm-fringed promenade, Birince
Kordon, which stretches the entire length of the city up to the Alsancak Ferry
Terminal, is a popular spot for evening walks, and there are many cafes along
the waterfront. Izmir has a good selection of culture and entertainment, from
the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museums, to the Izmir State Opera and Ballet
and Izmir State Symphony Orchestra, to the many bars and clubs. The cosmopolitan
and lively city gets even busier during the International Izmir Festival
(mid-June to mid-July) with music and dance, with performances also in nearby
Cesme and Ephesus.
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