İzmir Religious Heritage Route

Hisar Mosque

The Hisar Mosque was built by Yakup Bey in 1592 and is the largest and most magnificent mosque in İzmir. The mosque consists of a central dome, a harim (main place of worship) covered with smaller domes around it, and a domed narthex. With its renewed minaret, it bears the typical features of classical Ottoman mosques. The hand-drawn decorations inside the mosque, panels displaying the finesse of calligraphy, and the mihrab-minbar craftsmanship are among the best examples of Turkish artistic taste. The mosque was repaired in 1813, 1881, 1927, and the 1980s.

St. John's Church

Immerse yourself in a stirring journey back in time as you explore Saint John's Church in the vibrant region of Nevşehir, Türkiye. This magnificent asset offers an exciting blend of spiritual sanctity and architectural grandeur. Situated in the heartland of Anatolia, Saint John's Church is nestled inside its cavernous rocks, reflecting the unique style of ancient Cappadocia. Let your senses be captivated as you journey through its hauntingly beautiful chambers adorned with time-worn frescoes illustrating biblical scenes. Feel the echoes of solemnity and devotion resonating within the stone walls seep into your soul. Venture outside and your breath will hitch at the stunning vista surrounding the church. Picturesque landscapes await your exploration, showcasing the enticing charm of Nevşehir and offering thrilling panoramic views over the fairy chimneys and valleys. Saint John's Church is not just a historical monument, but a living testament to centuries of dedication and spiritual devotion. It remains a precious jewel in Türkiye's crown of tourism assets, offering visitors from far and wide a taste of the rich, layered history that Türkiye has to offer. Whether you're a history buff or a wandering soul seeking solace, embark on a memorable journey to Saint John's Church in Nevşehir, Türkiye. Here, every stone whispers tales of ancient civilizations, and every corner unveils a piece of Türkiye's rich cultural tapestry. You'll return with not just memories, but experiences that will last a lifetime.

House of the Virgin Mary

In and surrounding Ephesus, which is also one of the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia Minor, as mentioned in the Book of Revelation, are unique artifacts from the Early Christian Period. The House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers are among the most important holy sites in the area.

St. John Basilica

St. John, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is a central figure in Christianity and is believed to have written the Gospel of John in Ephesus. After the crucifixion of Jesus, St. John is said to have brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus for her safety, where they lived together until her passing. The Basilica of St. John, built by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian in the 6th century on St. John's burial site, was a massive six-domed structure with his tomb at its center. The dome was supported by 12 columns, and the site also features a baptistery. During the 7th century, as Christianity spread, the Basilica became the Episcopal Church of Ephesus. Nearby, Ayasuluk Castle, with its rich history from the Neolithic to Ottoman periods, offers visitors the chance to explore its restored towers, city walls, Ottoman palace, Turkish bath, and mosque ruins.

Cave of the Seven Sleepers

The Cave of the Seven Sleepers, located on the slopes of Mount Panayır near the ancient city of Ephesus, can be reached by following the asphalt road that turns east from the side of the Vedius Gymnasium. This cave is known as the resting place of the seven young men in the story of the Seven Sleepers—mentioned in both Islam and Christianity.

Ancient Smyrna

Ancient Smyrna is located on the mound in Bayraklı, İzmir. In ancient times, it was a small peninsula surrounded by the sea to the west and south. The Bayraklı Mound (Höyük), which is about a hundred hectares in size, is a small hill situated in a plain. Smyrna spreads over a wide area toward the plain on this hill. The city is an ideal example of the Archaic Period in Western Anatolia, featuring a city wall, houses consisting of several rooms, baths, a sacred structure, a fountain, and a geometric city plan. Open to the sea to the west and south and surrounded by mountains to the north and a plain to the east, Smyrna is the best example of a defensive city excavated in Western Anatolia. The temple unearthed during the excavations in Smyrna is one of the oldest Athena temples in Türkiye. With its ancient mounds and settlements, İzmir serves as an open-air museum that showcases the historical identity of the modern city, providing easy access to its visitors.

Beth Israel Synagogue

Beth Israel Synagogue is a striking example of religious architecture, known for its elegant design and cultural significance. The synagogue has served as a place of worship for generations, and its beautifully preserved interior offers a peaceful space for contemplation. Built in 1724 by the Algazi family, it is the largest synagogue after the Kemeraltı Synagogue. The synagogue has two floors and is open for worship on Jewish religious holidays and every Saturday.

Shalom Synagogue

The building located on Kemeraltı Synagogue Street is at number 38 on 927th Street, opposite Algaze Synagogue. It is known that the synagogue in question was used during the period of Chief Rabbi Hayim Eskapa and was restored twice, in 1800 and 1841. The building was constructed in 1500, and the Great İzmir Fire of 1841 was halted in front of the synagogue. An inscription on the entrance door of the building describes this event. The building is accessed from a small garden. Originally built with a central plan, it was later converted to a linear plan scheme resembling church-style planning. The mehizah section is small, and the synagogue is not in use today. The ground floor of the building was constructed with stacked stone, while the upper floor features a wooden frame. Both the floor and ceiling coverings are wooden, and the roof of the building is a wooden construction. The main area of the synagogue is divided into nine rectangular sections by four columns that support the raised ceiling of the tevya. The portable tevya of the Shalom Synagogue, now positioned against the hekal wall, is located on a platform similar to a galley, accessed by six steps. The tevya is covered with a burgundy-colored embroidered prayer rug. The ceilings are adorned with geometric patterns, and the colors of the decorations, along with the burgundy embroidered covers draping the Torah cabinet and the tevya, add vibrancy to the interior.

Şadırvan Mosque

This mosque, located on the shores of the Old Inner Harbor within the İzmir Historical Kemeraltı Bazaar, takes its name from the fountain with eight columns next to and below it. For this reason, it is also called the Şadırvanaltı Mosque. The mosque was built in 1636 and repaired in 1815. It is situated on a high basement and has a large bazaar underneath, giving it two separate entrances from the north and west, accessed by stairs. The stairs leading to the north door were neglected, were later closed, and replaced by shops. Today, the narthex is reached by 29 steps from the west. The narthex in front of the mosque, made of cut stone, is surrounded by glass. The place of worship is covered with a squinch dome carried by ten columns, and there are eight windows on the dome drum. Additionally, there are three windows on the squinches and two windows in the spaces between them. The dome is adorned with hand-drawn artwork. The mihrab is enclosed by a very wide and round arch, with two columns on either side. The pulpit is made of marble. The cut stone minaret to the south of the mosque has a round body and a single balcony, and it was repaired in 1941.

Bergama

Another ancient city is Bergama. Formerly known as Pergamum, it was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in İzmir and the thirteenth in Türkiye. Bergama was the principal cultural center in ancient times and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamum. Numerous well-preserved buildings and sites from the past have survived to the present day, including the Pergamene Acropolis, the Temple of Asclepius, and the Red Basilica/Hall (known as the “Kızıl Avlu” in Turkish). The Pergamon Museum exhibits many of the finds obtained from excavations around Pergamon.

Kestanepazarı Mosque

It is possible to find a suitable entertainment venue for yourself both during the day and at night. If you want to chat with your friends while trying the exclusive flavors of Aegean cuisine accompanied by classical music, or if you prefer to take to the streets and dance to the music, you can find a suitable place for you.

Başdurak Mosque

The Başdurak Mosque is a beautifully designed place of worship that stands as a symbol of the architectural and spiritual heritage of the 16th-century Ottoman period. The intricate details of the mosque, including its stone carvings and minarets, make it a visually striking site. Visitors can explore the peaceful interior of the mosque and learn about its historical and cultural significance. Whether you are interested in architecture or simply looking for a moment of contemplation, the Başdurak Mosque offers a serene and enriching experience.

Kemeraltı Mosque

Yalı Mosque

The Yalı Mosque, located in İzmir Konak Square, was built in the 18th century during the Ottoman period. An example of classical Ottoman architecture, the mosque features an octagonal plan, a single dome, and a single minaret. Its windows are adorned with tiles. Stone and brick were used in its construction, and a small dome covers the prayer area. The minaret has a round body and a single balcony, resting on a cut stone base.

Salepçioğlu Mosque

Salepçioğlu Mosque was built in the Konak Esnaf Şeyhi Neighborhood of İzmir between 1897 and 1907, following the will of Salepçizade Hacı Ahmet Efendi. It is a magnificent structure located close to Kemeraltı Street; the upper floor was designed as a mosque, while the lower floor serves as a madrasah. The architecture of the mosque is rich with striking elements. There are four fountains on the ground floor, along with baroque-influenced ornamentation and a three-domed gallery on the upper floor. Its interior features stained glass windows, green plant motifs, and appliqués made with the high-quality crystal workmanship of the period. The minaret of the mosque was built as a separate structure and has been destroyed twice over time, being last rebuilt in 1982. The madrasah section was opened for worship in 1985 and is currently used as a Quran course. The stones and architectural details used in the construction of the mosque reflect the most advanced building technologies of the period.

Damlacık Mosque

Damlacık Mosque is located in the Damlacık district of Kemalpaşa, İzmir. It is thought to have been built in the 18th century. The mosque is also known as the Kılıç Mescidi. In its courtyard is the Mustafa Efendi Fountain, dated 1795-1796. The stone-built mosque features a wooden roof covered with tiles, and its grooved body and onion-topped, cone-shaped minaret are noteworthy. At its foundation are the ruins of a temple from the Roman period.

St. Polycarp Church

The church, one of the oldest structures in İzmir, was dedicated to St. Polycarp, the Bishop of İzmir, who lived between 69 CE and 155 CE. He was one of the first students of St. John and was later declared a saint. The church continued to be used for worship after its reconstruction in the 17th century. Today, the church is a noteworthy site in its restored state.

Aya Fotini Church

The Aya Fotini Church, located in the Mahmudiye section of Frenk Street, was established before the great fire of 1922. Completed in 1793, the church was also the metropolitan center. This historical church no longer exists in the Konak district of Izmir. However, today the modern Orthodox church of the same name in Izmir has no connection with the early structure, except that it bears the same name.

St Vukolos Church Cultural Center

The Saint Voukolos Church was built by the Anatolian Greek Orthodox Community in the second half of the 19th century. It served as a church until 1922, when it was converted into the Asar-ı Atika Museum upon Atatürk's request. The building, registered as a cultural asset requiring protection in 1975, was allocated to the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality in 2003. Restoration work began in 2008, and today it serves as a museum for cultural and artistic activities and press.

St. Helen Catholic Church

St. Helen Catholic Church is a beautifully preserved religious site that offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s spiritual and architectural heritage. The church’s detailed design and serene atmosphere provide a peaceful setting for reflection and contemplation. Visitors can admire the intricate interior, including its stained-glass windows and frescoes, while learning about the church’s historical significance. It’s a must-visit for those interested in religious history and architecture.

Notre Dame De St. Holy Rosary Church

Notre Dame De St. Holy Rosary Church is a beautifully preserved religious site that offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s spiritual and architectural heritage. The church’s detailed design and serene atmosphere provide a peaceful setting for reflection and contemplation. Visitors can admire the intricate interior, including its stained-glass windows and frescoes, while learning about the church’s historical significance. It’s a must-visit for those interested in religious history and architecture.