Asansör
A century-old observation lift built in 1907 with funding from a Jewish banker, linking the lower and upper levels of the Karataş old quarter, with a tower-top view over İzmir Bay.
Asansör (Turkish for “elevator”) stands in Karataş district, south of Konak. It was built in 1907 with funding from the Jewish banker Nessim Levi Bayraklıoğlu. The brick tower is about 51 meters tall and links the low streets by the sea with the steep hillside neighborhood above, sparing residents the climb up 155 steps. The lift still runs and is free to use. From the platform at the top and its restaurant, you can take in the whole of İzmir Bay, and the view is best at dusk. At the foot of the tower, Dario Moreno Street is named after the singer born there. The street keeps its old Jewish-quarter houses, stairways and small cafés, making it a good detour on foot. From Konak, a bus or taxi takes about 10 minutes.
Opening hours
Elevator approx. 08:00–23:00 (confirm on site); seafront open all day
Nearby sights
- İzmir Archaeological Museum
- İzmir Ethnography Museum
- Izmir Clock Tower & Konak Square
- Kemeraltı Bazaar
- Kızlarağası Han
- Hisar Mosque
- Agora of Smyrna
- St. Polycarp Church