Agora of Smyrna

Agora of Smyrna
İzmir Agorası
Alternative nameAgora of İzmir
Locationİzmir, Turkey
Coordinates38°25′08″N 27°08′16″E / 38.41889°N 27.13778°E / 38.41889; 27.13778
History
MaterialMarble  
Founded4th century BC  
Site notes
Excavation dates1933–present
Public accessYes

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

  1. Faustina Gate
  2. Ancient Street[4]
  3. North Stoa (Basilica)[5]
  4. West Stoa
  5. Graffiti
  6. Corinthian colonnade
  7. Ottoman-era Muslim graveyard[6]
  8. 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

  1. ^ a b İzmir - Agora
  2. ^ İzmir'in kent merkezindeki 1800 yıllık 'Tarihi Agora'
  3. ^ "The Historical Port City of Izmir". UNESCO. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  4. ^ "Main street revealed in agora of Smyrna". Hürriyet Daily News. 19 March 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  5. ^ Graffiti from the Basilica in the Agora of Smyrna
  6. ^ Smyrna Agora a historical and architectural treasure
  7. ^ Cortijo de Sevi: Kültür Mirası Sabatay Sevi'nin Evi'nin Geçmişi, Bugünü ve Geleceği

Media related to Agora of İzmir at Wikimedia Commons