Izmir – May Day Mayhem Part 2
I’m not going to lie, running around Izmir for half a day amongst all the craziness of May Day has taken it out of me – or rather my back. I’m in agony but I’m not going to let that defeat me. I throw back a couple of painkillers, shower and change and we head out to explore a little further.
We walk to the harbour just a few minutes away. The marchers have now dispersed and although the metal fences are still up, gaps have been opened up for access. Along the waterfront is a black and white tiled promenade called the Kordon where we pass the Bergama Gemisi, a ship that is also a maritime museum. Just beyond is a small floating fish restaurant called The Old Fisherman. Fishing is a popular activity here. All along the water’s edge a row of men have cast their fishing lines and wait patiently for something to bite. Now it’s beginning to feel like a bank holiday!
A few minutes later we reach Konak Pier, an upmarket shopping mall complete with cinema, shops and restaurants. We will explore this tomorrow. An interesting thing to note about the Konak Pier is that it was built as a customs house to try and prevent smuggling. It is said that the building was designed by Gustav Eiffel (yes THAT Gustav Eiffel!) though documentary evidence of this is yet to be found.
Our next destination is the Izmir Clock Tower, the city’s most iconic landmark. Adjacent to Konak Pier is a walkway that takes us over the main coastal thoroughfare. The square is surrounded by green spaces which are filled with families enjoying the spring sunshine, sharing picnics and socialising with friends and family. Now this definitely feels like a bank holiday!
The clock tower takes pride of place in the centre of Konak Square. It was built in an Eastern architectural style in 1901 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ottoman sultan Abdulhamid II’s ascension to the throne. It stands 25 metres tall and the four fountains around the base of the tower represent the water of life. Just behind the clock tower is the government building and the picturesque Konak Mosque. This small octagonal mosque was built in 1748 by Aysa Hanim and has undergone several restorations.
It is early evening and Peter and I are starving. We haven’t eaten today due to our early start and hectic tour of the city. Food is the next and only thing left on our agenda for today. We’d noticed a lively restaurant just a few steps from Hotel Marla called Topçu. I have a burning desire for some Raki – lots of Raki (Purely for medicinal purposes!) so the closer we are to our hotel the better!
We’re shown to a table outside under cover. It’s very busy and and there’s a real buzz about the place. The menu is extensive and we are spoilt for choice but before we begin to make decisions we are presented with a large tray of appetisers to choose from. This is much easier as I like to shop with my eyes! We choose 6 appetisers. Is that a bit excessive? Yes probably but we finished them all along with our main meals and the raki (Yeni – my favourite!). That is me done for the day!
