Category: İzmir: The Capital of the Levant

Levantine Houses

The word Levant, of French origin, means “east,” referring to the place where the sun rises. In geographical terminology, this word has been used to describe the region located to the east of Italy, in other words, the Eastern Mediterranean. European merchants who came to this region, including İzmir, for trade and eventually settled here […]

Government Buildings

Although Kordon Promenade was predominantly home to hotels, theaters, cinemas, and entertainment venues, a few government buildings also found their place here. Among them, the French Consulate building and the İzmir Commodity Exchange building have survived to the present day. France had been involved in İzmir-centered trade since the mid-17th century and continuously competed with […]