İzmir is a province and the third most crowded city in Turkey. İzmir’s population is 4,279,677 according to the 2007 data provided by Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK).

Located on the west of the Anatolian Peninsula and at the center of the Aegean Region and spreading around the Gulf of İzmir, the city is an important fair center and seaport which organizes İzmir International Fair every year. It is the third biggest province of the country in terms of surface area. It has the Aegean Sea and Aegean Islands on its west, Aydın on its south, Balıkesir on its north and Manisa on its east.

On İzmir’s west, there lies the Çeşme Peninsula with its sea, beaches, and thermal centers. Ephesus, one of the most famous cities of the Ancient Age, was one of the greatest cities in the world during Rome’s imperial period. Bearing all the richness of Ionian culture within its scope, Ephesus made quite a name for itself also thanks to its intense artistic activities. Therefore, this city was also called “Beautiful İzmir”, “Old İzmir” and “la Perle de ‘lonie” (The Pearl of Ionia).

İzmir is located at the head of a long and narrow gulf surrounded by yachts and ships. There are palm and date trees as well as avenues along the coast. İzmir Port is the seventh biggest port in Turkey.