Izmir is the second largest port after Istanbul was once the ancient city of Smyrna, now a developed modern and busy commercial centre, set around a huge bay and surrounded by mountains.
Known in Turkish as beautiful Izmir, the city lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships and yachts. The climate is mild and in the summer the constant and refreshing sea breezes temper the sun's heat. The broad boulevards, glass-fronted buildings and modern shopping centres are dotted with traditional red-tiled roofs, the 18th century market, old mosques and churches. The city has an atmosphere more of Mediterranean Europe than traditional Turkey.
For many years now Izmir has enjoyed a reputation as a cosmopolitan city of culture. The Ataturk Cultural Centre hosts weekend concerts with the Izmir State Symphony Orchestra, the Izmir State Opera and Ballet perform in an Ottoman art deco building on Milli Kutuphane Caddesi.
During the summer there are events at the open-air theatre in Kulturpark and mid-June sees the month-long International Izmir festival with many events. The International Film Festival takes place every April, with foreign films shown in their original language with subtitles.