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:
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. The marker stands
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
2. The Dream of Alexander the Great Marker
Next to the spring, in the basement of the agora's porticoes.
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 (a few steps from this marker); Honorary Inscription (a few steps from this marker); Neocorus of the Cult of the Emperor at Smyrna (a few steps from this marker); The West Portico (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ancient City of Smyrna (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Ancient City of Smyrna (within shouting distance of this marker); The Agora of Smyrna (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Izmir.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
3. The Dream of Alexander the Great Marker
Just beyond the spring.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 16, 2018
4. The Dream of Alexander the Great Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2018, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 875 times since then and 62 times this year. Last updated on June 29, 2026, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 4, 2018, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
