The Kemeraltı Bazaar, where we now walk through labyrinth-like narrow streets, was covered by the sea until the late 18th century and served as the city’s inner harbor. Until then, ships arriving in İzmir would enter the inner harbor and unload their cargo at the piers. Over time, as this area began to silt up, it transformed into a major commercial center, driven by the increasing trade activities centered in İzmir.
During the 17th century, five mosques were built along the shore of the inner harbor, paving the way for the emergence of Kemeraltı Bazaar. Hisar Mosque, the first mosque built in this area, was constructed right next to the Harbor Castle (also known as Lower Castle or Ok Castle), which held critical importance for the city’s defense. It was followed by Shadirvan(altı) Mosque, Başdurak Mosque, Kestanepazari Mosque, and Kemeraltı Mosque. These five mosques, positioned approximately 100 to 300 meters apart, lined the shores of the inner harbor. When the inner harbor was actively used as a monumental example of bazaar architecture, these mosques welcomed ships arriving in İzmir.
