District guide · İzmir
Konak is the central district of İzmir, stretching along the southern coast of the Gulf of İzmir and historically serving as the city's administrative and econo...
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Editorial responsibility: Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor
Konak is the central district of İzmir, stretching along the southern coast of the Gulf of İzmir and historically serving as the city's administrative and economic core. The İzmir Saat Kulesi, Asansör, and Kadifekale stand as landmarks reflecting the district's layered past. The Agora Açık Hava Müzesi and Izmir Archaeology Museum document its archaeological significance for those interested in classical history.
Checked 2026-09-04
Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.
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İzmir Saat Kulesi
İzmir Clock Tower is a historic public monument in Konak Square, in İzmir’s Konak district. Built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan II Abdülhamid’s accession, it has become one of the city’s most recognisable symbols.
Asansör is a historic vertical connection in İzmir’s Karataş neighbourhood. It links Mithatpaşa Caddesi with Şehit Nihatbey Caddesi, allowing people to cross the steep change in level without taking the long stair route.
Kadifekale, also called Velvet Castle, is an open-air archaeological site on Pagos, the 186-metre-high hill south of İzmir’s city centre.
Kültürpark is İzmir’s major central urban park and fairground, established on 1 January 1936 under the leadership of Behçet Uz. Its 420,000-square-metre grounds combine mature greenery, public recreation, cultural attractions and event spaces in the centre of the city.
Kordonboyu
Kordon is İzmir’s bayfront promenade, stretching between Konak and Alsancak Port along the central shore of İzmir Bay. Its defining experience is movement beside open water: a continuous urban route where the bay, city frontage and everyday public life meet.
Konak Meydanı
Konak Square is İzmir’s civic waterfront heart, where the city centre opens towards the Gulf and the historic entrance to Kemeraltı. Its defining landmark is the İzmir Clock Tower, completed in 1901 and rising 25 metres above the square.