Centuries-old historical sites open to visitors in İzmir

Ä°zmir is expected to host more local and foreign tourists this year due to the opening of historical sites in the province. Works on the ancient sites are being accelerated in order to finish them for
the summer season. Officials belive the number of visitors will increase to a great extent this year İzmir’s six ancient sites, where excavations are still being conducted, will open to visitors soon.

Ä°zmir is currently one of the centers of intense archaeological works in the country, with 22 excavations currently taking place. Works on these ancient sites have been accelerated recently in order to be ready in time for the upcoming tourist season during the summer months.

The Director of Provincial Culture and Tourism Abdülaziz Ediz said there was a noticeable increase in the number of local tourists at the ancient sites and museums. He said the number of foreign tourists began to increase with a rise in cruise tourism.

“With a history of 8,500 years, İzmir is an area where settlements have existed since the prehistoric age. It has hosted an array of cultures from various regions. There are 22 ongoing excavations, 15 are carried out by a Turkish team, three by foreign teams and four by museum directorates. We have accelerated work to open these excavation areas to visitors as soon as possible. The ancient city of Metropolis in Torbalı will be open to visitors from the beginning of the season. The ancient site of Teos in Seferihisar will be finished toward the end of the season. Visits to the ancient prophecy center of Claros in the district of Özdere and Urla’s ancient city of Klazomenai will begin this year, too. The Ayasuluk Fortress, which is the most visited place after...