Agora Ören Yeri — Attraction in Konak

Agora Open Air Museum

In the center of the city there is the Agora Open Air Museum, a piece of the historical texture of Izmir, which is a city contains many cultures and many layers. When you look from Kadifekale, you can see the open-air museum and the dig sites very clearly.

The Agora, which is one of the big agoras located in a city center with its three floor design, is one of a kind. The Agora, located in Namazgah (one of Izmir’s older districts) is a multistorey structure built on arches and pillars in the Roman Era around a large quad with marble tiling. The word Agora means “marketplace”. It was also a government place used for political meetings and people’s courts. The Agora underwent a major restoration after an earthquake in 178 A.D.

A statue group of Poseidon and Demeter, one of the most notable artifacts from the Agora, can be found in the History and Arts Museum.

The graceful embossed portrait of Faustina, the wife of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who loved Izmir very much, is on the arch of the West Gate of the Agora and warmly welcomes the visitors.

The Agora is undergoing changes in order to turn it into an Archeology and History Park.

The large cisterns and varying sewage parts inside the Agora show that it is in an area of ample water supply. It is thought that the spring in the entrance of the Basilica has been flowing since the first age.

Another of Agora’s exciting finds is the graffiti in the stores from the Roman Era. The graffiti is said to be the world’s largest Greek graffiti collection and carries profiles of Hellenistic and Roman daily life. The graffiti, which is under protection is said to have been made between the 2nd and 4th centuries A.D. On the walls there are around 1500 graffiti, which have been preserved for two thousand years, and have been made with paint or engraved. These graffiti depict thoughts on Izmir, words of love and drawings of boats.

It is possible to see layers of the Hellenistic Era, Roman Era, Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire in the Agora expeditions. The Roman Bathhouse that was recently unearthed in the latest Agora expedition attracts the attention of visitors passing by Faustina road, which goes through the Northwestern gate to the docks.

Since the Agora ruins were used as a cemetery in the Namazgah district long ago, it is home to many artisan-crafted gravestones. Although the graves were transported to a different location, the Ottoman gravestones may still be viewed at the site.

The pieces extracted from the Agora are today in the Izmir Archeology Museum and the History and Arts Museum.

After visiting the ruins near the Historical Kemeralti Bazaar, you may keep going until you reach the historical streets of Basmane. On the road you can pass the Ancient Roman Theater, which is still undergoing excavation work, of which only the stage walls and entrance have been unearthed, and carry on...

Today, I had the chance to visit Agora Ören Yeri, a historical gem in the heart of Izmir. This ancient site, once the bustling marketplace of Smyrna, offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman and Greek history. Walking among its towering columns, intricate arches, and underground cisterns, I could truly imagine the vibrant trade, political discussions, and daily life that once took place here.

One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the well-preserved vaulted chambers and water channels, which showcase the incredible engineering skills of the past. The atmosphere is peaceful, yet the whispers of history linger in the air, making it a must-visit for history lovers.

I also bought two beautiful art pieces featuring famous historical figures, a wonderful souvenir to remember this journey through time!

If you’re in Izmir, don’t miss the chance to experience Agora Ören Yeri—a timeless treasure in the city's heart.

The Agora of Smyrna dates back to the 4th century BC when Alexander the Great ordered the city of Smyrna to be rebuilt on Mount Pagos (modern-day Kadifekale). However, most of the remains visible today belong to the Roman period, especially after a great earthquake in 178 AD, when Emperor Marcus Aurelius funded its restoration.

The agora was the social, political, and commercial hub of ancient Smyrna, where merchants, politicians, and philosophers gathered. Its monumental gate, basilicas, and underground water system highlight the city's prosperity. The graffiti found on the walls also give insight into the daily lives of people from centuries ago, showing their thoughts, jokes, and even love notes!

Through wars, earthquakes, and time, Agora Ören Yeri remains a testament to Izmir’s rich history a place where the past and present...

First of all, the ticket for Agora Ören Yeri is 100 Lira per ticket, compared to 40 Lira at Miletus (another ruin which is much more exciting).

Secondly, there is not much to see here except some arches and columns. The nearby Ephesus and the aforementioned Miletus are much more impressive, eg with exciting amphitheatres.

Thirdly, the facilities are poorly maintained. You'd think they would fix and clean the toilet if they charge 250% the price of Miletus. See photo of men's toilet.

Finally, Izmir is a crazy city to drive into due to its size. The drivers tend to be aggressive and there were frequent buses and taxis parked on the roads blocking lanes so it was a stressful experience. Finding parking isn't particularly easy either and it costs money too.

In conclusion, skip this ruin. It's not worthwhile to visit. You have much better ruins which are much easier to access and...