Yeni in Izmir in Konak, Turkiye — West Asia or Southeast Europe
The Agora of Smyrna
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
1. The Agora of Smyrna Marker
English Text:
In the courtyard of the Agora there were shipped monuments erected in honor of important persons, days and agreements. There were also statues, altars belonging to multiple gods at which offerings were made in religious ceremonies, seating places of marble (exedrae) and also the temple and permanent altar of a god honored by the city.
Through the Gate of Faustina (8) the Agora was connected to the Harbor Quarter (today's Kemeralti quarter) by a street (9). Via the Agora North Avenue (10) which passed in front of the Basilica, the Agora was again linked to the Harbor Quarter and, towards the east, with the Gymnasium Quarter.
The Agora of Smyrna was used as a cemetary in the Late Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The headstones seen in the southern part of the courtyard area have survived from Ottoman times to our present day.
Today a part measuring approximately 129 x 83 meters of the agora's central courtyard area is still visible. Of the structures surrounding this area, a major section (83 meters) of the West Portico (1), a small section (20 meters) of the East Portico (2) and the whole (161 meters) of the Basilica (3) on the north have been revealed. It is expected that the South Portico (4) is under the area south of the agora, presently used as a park. Through the
this page online
Erected by Izmir Chamber of Commerce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 38° 25.108′ N, 27° 8.311′ E. Marker is in Izmir, in Konak. It is in Yeni. It can be reached from Tarik Sari Sokagi just east of Esrefpasa Cd., on the left when traveling east. This marker is situated in the Smyrna archaeological park, which is in a business/residential neighborhood. This particular marker is just inside the park, from the main entrance, and at the base of the entrance stairway, on the left, and is part of a cluster of markers. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Izmir 35240, Turkiye. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Turkish Asia Minor Anatolia. Globally, it is in West Asia, Mesopotamia, and in a coastal Mediterranean country. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Roman Empire, and on the Silk Road.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Agora of Smyrna (here, next to this marker); The Ancient City of Smyrna (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Ancient City of Smyrna
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
2. The Agora of Smyrna Marker
View of the featured marker (5th from left) situated in a cluster of markers, with a view of the entrance to the archaeological park on the high ground above the markers.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
3. The Agora of Smyrna
Panoramic view of the agora area, as seen from the main entrance, of the archaeological park.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
4. The Agora of Smyrna Marker
View of the southern part of the courtyard area, of the agora, that is discussed in the text on the marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
5. The Agora of Smyrna Marker
A closer view of "the headstones seen in the southern part of the courtyard area" of the agora, as discussed on the text of this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2018, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 263 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 3, 2018, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
