Square of ancient İzmir
The Agora of Smyrna, alternatively known as the Agora of İzmir (Turkish: İzmir Agorası), is an ancient Roman agora located in Smyrna (present-day İzmir, Turkey). Originally built by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, the agora was ruined by an earthquake in 178 AD.[1] Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius ordered its reconstruction.[2] Excavations started in 1933.[1] In 2020, the Agora of Smyrna became a Tentative World Heritage Site as part of "The Historical Port City of Izmir."[3]
Buildings and structures of the agora
- Faustina Gate
- Ancient Street[4]
- North Stoa (Basilica)[5]
- West Stoa
- Graffiti
- Corinthian colonnade
- Ottoman-era Muslim graveyard[6]
- House of Sabbatai Zevi[7]
Recent Discoveries and Features
Recent excavations at the Agora of Smyrna have revealed several noteworthy features:
- A functional 2,000-year-old water trench, highlighting the advanced engineering of the period.
- Graffiti on the basilica wall, believed to be the world's first crossword.
- Evidence suggesting coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and Jews, as indicated by candles featuring the Star of David.
- Ongoing excavations are currently focused on Ottoman-era graveyards.
[Source: [Daily Sabah](https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/10/31/smyrna-agora-a-historical-and-architectural-treasure)]
References
- ^ a b İzmir - Agora
- ^ İzmir'in kent merkezindeki 1800 yıllık 'Tarihi Agora'
- ^ "The Historical Port City of Izmir". UNESCO. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
- ^ "Main street revealed in agora of Smyrna". Hürriyet Daily News. 19 March 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
- ^ Graffiti from the Basilica in the Agora of Smyrna
- ^ Smyrna Agora a historical and architectural treasure
- ^ Cortijo de Sevi: Kültür Mirası Sabatay Sevi'nin Evi'nin Geçmişi, Bugünü ve Geleceği
External links
Media related to Agora of İzmir at Wikimedia Commons
Media related to Agora of İzmir at Wikimedia Commons