Izmir, third biggest city of Turkey, called Pearl of the Aegean, has been planned in such a way that the chaotic environment of metropolises has been avoided.Izmir is located at the beginning of a long narrow gulf called Izmir Gulf which has a mild and sunny weather. It is a city which is famous for its lovely weather and beautiful girls.According to the legend the name Smyrna drives from a mythological story. The wife of Cyprus King claimed that her daughter Smyrna was prettier than Aphrodite. To punish Aphrodite made her to fall in love with her father and one night when her father was drunk she went into his bed. When Smyrna's father woke up he saw her and sent her away from the palace. He followed her to the countryside where he would kill her with his sword. However when he was about to kill her Aphrodite pitied Smyrna and made her turn into a myrtle tree. The King split the tree into two out of where Adonis was born.
The Seven Churches that were mentioned by St John are all located around Izmir which are in Izmir, Ephesus, Eskihisar, Alasehir, Sart, Akhisar and Bergama.One of the most important visiting place is Balcova where there is Turkey's largest thermal spas.There are hotels around which are suitable for thermalism.
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