This historic lift tower connects one part of the Asansör neighbourhood to another, and at the top, offers a commanding view of the Gulf of Izmir, (above). Lined with convivial restaurants, cafes and shops, Kordon Boyu is a colourful sea-side promenade in the summer afternoons and evenings, (below).

A fire at the end of the Turkish-Greek war in 1922 destroyed a great part of the city, and the newly built Izmir today is modern and gleaming. Its economic development is linked to the port and the various industrial enterprises. The final destination of the “King’s Road” which links with Iran, Izmir continues to be a focal point of tourism and entertainment, renowned for its fish restaurants along the shore, its bars, discotheques and night clubs. Its hinterlands are rich in monuments and ruins, which tell the tale of countless ancient civilisations.

THE MIRACULOUS FRUIT OF AN ENTERNAL TREE THE OLIVE
Olive trees have been grown along the Aegean coast of Turkey, and particularly in the Ayvalik area, for over 8000 years. Turkey now produces one-third of the olives consumed in the European Union, and is one of the world’s five largest producers of olive oil. The olive is a miraculous fruit.

Like countless other commodities, olive oil was carried overseas in amphoras, thousands of which lie hidden in the depths of the Aegean Sea, (below).

It contains more oil than any other fruit, oil that is far kinder on the digestive system than any other oil known to man. If taken before meals it helps prevent ulcers; it helps the development of the brain, the strengthening of the bones and also contains all essential vitamins. Olive oil has recently been found to be effective against cholesterol and thus reduce the risk of cardiac diseases.

Turkey has literally millions of olive trees, 2.5 million of which are in the Ayvalik area and over 1,200 factories which extract and produce olive oil.