Izmir

İzmir, historically known as Smyrna, is a major city on Turkey’s Aegean coast and an important cultural and commercial center. It has a rich Christian heritage, closely tied to the early Church. St. Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of St. John the Apostle, lived and was martyred here around 155 AD, and St. Ignatius of Antioch is believed to have passed through Smyrna on his way to Rome. I stayed in İzmir because it serves as a convenient hub for visiting Ephesus. During my stay, I explored the city’s historic sites, including the remnants of the ancient Agora, the castle, the coastal promenade, and St. Polycarp Church.

İzmir, Turkey
October 2025