Namazgah in Izmir in Konak, Turkiye — West Asia or Southeast Europe
The Dream of Alexander the Great
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
1. The Dream of Alexander the Great Marker
English text:
Pausanius, a geographer and traveler of the 2nd century A.D., relates that Alexander came to the slopes of Mt Pagos (Kadifekale) to hunt, that he fell asleep under a plane tree by a spring in front of the Temple of Nemesis, and that in his dream he saw the two goddesses Nemesis (the goddesses of divine retribution and revenge), who commanded him to found a city in that spot and move the people there from the former site.
According to the legend the Smyrnaeans asked advice about this command of the goddesses from the famous oracle of Apollo at Claros (present day Ahmetbeyli/Menderes). Apollo answered that "those who live on Pagos (Kadifekale) beyond the Sacred Meles (today's Yesildere stream ?) will be three and four times happier than before." This legend is depicted on very numerous coins of Roman Period Smyrna.
Turkish text:
İ.S. 2. yüzyılda yaşamış coğrafyacı ve gezgin Pausanias, İskender'in avlanmak üzere geldiği Pagos (Kadifekale) Tepesi eteklerinde, Nemesis Tapınağı önündeki bir pınarın başında, çınar ağacının altında uykuya daldığını, rüyasında gördüğü iki Nemesis'in (Tanrısal öç ve adalet Tanrıçaları) ondan burada
this page online
Efsaneye göre Tanrıçaların bu isteğini duyan Smyrnalılar bölgenin ünlü kehanet merkezi Apollon Klarios Tapınağı'na (Ahmetbeyli/Menderes) danışı dar. Tanrı Apollon, Smyrnalılara "Kutsal Meles'in (Bugünkü Yeşildere ? ) ötesindeki Pagos tepesinde (Kadifekale) oturacak olanlar eskisine göre üç dört kat mutlu olacaklardır" yanıtını verir. Bu efsane pek çok Roma Dönemi Smyma sikkesi (parası) üzerinde canlandırılmıştır.
Erected by Izmir Chamber of Commerce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 38° 25.149′ N, 27° 8.295′ E. Marker is in Izmir, in Konak. It is in Namazgah. It is on Tarik Sari Sokagi just east of Esrefpasa Cd., on the left when traveling east. Located in Smyrna archaeological park, in the basement of the agora's porticoes. 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: The Basement of the West Portico (here, next to this marker); Water Channels
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
2. The Dream of Alexander the Great Marker
Next to the spring of water, in the basement of the agora's porticoes.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
3. The Dream of Alexander the Great Marker
Just beyond the spring of water.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
4. The Dream of Alexander the Great Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2018, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 859 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 4, 2018, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
