Izmir Clock Tower & Konak Square
Saat Kulesi / Konak Meydanı
Izmir’s city landmark: an Ottoman clock tower completed in 1901 stands at the centre of the seaside square, beside a small octagonal mosque and the sprawling Kemeraltı old bazaar.
The Izmir Clock Tower was built in 1901 to mark the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s accession. About 25 metres tall, it was designed by a French architect in a blend of Ottoman and Moorish styles. Four fountains surround it, and the large clock at the top is said to be a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. The tower stands in Konak Square, which faces Izmir Bay. Beside it is the small 18th-century Yalı Camii (Yalı Mosque), its exterior covered in colourful tiles. The square is filled with pigeons and is the centre of local leisure life and tourist photography. East of the square lies Kemeraltı, a vast old commercial district that developed from the 17th century, with winding lanes. Here you can visit Hisar Mosque and the historic Kızlarağası Hanı caravanserai, which has a courtyard café where you can drink traditional sand-boiled Turkish coffee. You will also find shops selling spices, copper, leather, cotton textiles and Turkish sweets. Near the bazaar are the ruins of the ancient Roman Agora of Smyrna. From the square you can take a ferry to Karşıyaka on the opposite shore and enjoy the bay views on board. Konak has metro and tram stations, so it is easy to reach.
Opening hours
All day (market shops approx. 09:00–19:00; some closed Sundays)
Nearby sights
- Kemeraltı Bazaar
- İzmir Archaeological Museum
- Kızlarağası Han
- İzmir Ethnography Museum
- Hisar Mosque
- Agora of Smyrna
- St. Polycarp Church
- Asansör