Ionia

Ionia, the ancient name for the central region of Anatolia on the Aegean coast of Turkey, was once one of the most important centers of Greek civilization. Originally colonized by Greeks from Athens around 1000 BC, the most important Greek city in the region was Smyrna, now known as Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey. Homer, the author of two of the greatest literary works in history – the Iliad and the Odyssey – is believed to have lived in Smyrna. Other luminary Greeks who lived in the region include Thales, a famous philosopher, merchant, mathematician and engineer, the historians Anaximander and Anaximenes and the geographers Hecataeus and Kadmos. The region is also home to several ancient Greek archaeological sites including Ephesus, Pergamum, Priene, Didyma and Euromos which are home to architectural and scientific marvels like the Temple of Artemis and the theater in Ephesus, and the Asklepion in Pergamon, one of the world’s most ancient medical centers.

The Ionian civilization collapsed in the 4th century BC, when the Persians invaded the whole of Anatolia. In 334 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the region and offered these cities democratic self-governance under his protectorate. By 130 BC, the region became a part of the Roman empire. Major monuments like the theater in Ephesus were renovated and rebuilt during this period.

In addition to ancient Greek cities, Ionia also has upscale seaside resorts like Alaçatı and Çeşme. With cobbled alleyways and pale stone houses overgrown with sprays of pink and red bougainvillea, traditional stone villas, discreet boutique hotels, hidden courtyard cafes, art galleries, antique shops, designer boutiques and easy access to over 25 white sand beaches that offer excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities, these resorts are Turkey’s version of St. Tropez.

Destinations

Key sights to see

Izmir

Once the ancient city of Smyrna, Izmir’s presence can be traced 8500 years. During this period, it has been a home to many different cultures and religions including the Hittites, Trojans, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Today, Izmir is the third largest, and one of the most vibrant cities in Turkey. It is also a great base to explore the famous sites of ancient Ionia including Ephesus, Pergamon, Priene, Didyma and Euromos, and the posh coastal resort towns of Alaçatı and Çeşme.

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus comprises successive Hatti, Hittite, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine settlements. Excavations have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial period including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the famous Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). Ephesus is also an important pilgrimage destination for Christians, as the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last years here with Saint John.

Pergamum

Pergamum, was founded as early as the 5th century BC, but rose to prominence during the Hellenistic period (323-30 BC). Some of the key sights in the city include the Sacred Way, the Acropolis, the Asclepium, one of the world's most ancient healing centers, the Sereapeum, the 2nd century Temple of Trajan, and the Theater, one of the steepest in Turkey. The city is an important site of Christian pilgrimage, as it is cited in the New Testament Book of Revelation as the northermost of the seven churches of Asia.

Priene, Didyma & Euromos

About 2 hours south of Izmir, are the three ancient Greek settlements of Priene, Didyma, and Euromos. Priene, dating back to the 11th century BC, has various architectural ruins including a Greek theater. Didyma, the best preserved of the three, was an ancient Greek sanctuary and was once home to one of the world's greatest temples of Apollo. Euromos probably dates back to the 6th century BC, but not much remains to be seen other than an unfinished Temple of Zeus.

Ionia

Destinations

Izmir

Ephesus

Pergamum

Priene, Didyma & Euromos

Map

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