Izmir

Ancient Wonders: 10 Must-Visit Historical Sites in and Around Izmir, Turkey

Standing at the edge of Izmir's azure coastline last spring, I couldn't help but feel like I was perched at the crossroads of human civilization. This western Turkish city—once known as Smyrna—has witnessed the ebb and flow of empires for...

48 Hours in Izmir: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Turkey's Coastal Gem

The ferry cuts through the Gulf of Izmir like a knife through baklava, revealing Turkey's third-largest city spread across the hillsides in a sweeping panorama. After three decades of analyzing municipal budgets in Riverside, I've spent my retirement years charting...