Welcome to the heart of Izmir, Konak Square! The sweet whistle of the ferries, the rustle of pigeons taking flight, and that first breath of salty air... This is precisely where the pulse of the "Pearl of the Aegean" beats. Are you wondering where to begin before getting lost in the historical fabric? Don't worry, you're in the right place. This guide has been specially prepared to offer you the most enjoyable and unforgettable items on the list of things to do in Konak Square and the Clock Tower.

This square is not just a transit point; it's a living stage where you can experience the whispers of the past, the energy of today, and the sparkle of the future all at once. Let's discover the main actors on this stage together: starting with Izmir's elegant symbol that defies time, the Clock Tower, we'll take a momentary break with the square's living soul, the pigeons, and finally, we'll lose ourselves in the unique view of the city's modern face, Konak Pier. If you're ready, this unforgettable day in the heart of Izmir begins now!

Take an iconic photo with the Clock Tower, the symbol of Izmir

When you step into Konak Square, the first structure that catches your eye, greeting you with all its elegance, is undoubtedly the Clock Tower. For the people of Izmir, this is much more than a classic "let's meet in front of the Clock Tower" spot; it is the soul of the city, a living monument that has witnessed over a century of history. That's why the first thing you should do is immortalize this moment. But before you press the shutter, how about listening to the fascinating story of this masterpiece you're fitting into your frame?   

Our story begins in 1901, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the accession of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II to the throne. Built by a commission led by the Governor of Izmir, Kıbrıslı Kamil Pasha, this tower bears the signature of a name that reflects the city's multicultural structure: the Levantine French architect Raymond Charles Péré. The international touch in the tower's story doesn't end there; the mechanisms of the clocks on its four sides were a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II, as a token of the Turkish-German friendship of the era.   

Now, take a closer look at the tower's architectural details. This octagonal structure, rising 25 meters on a white marble platform, is intricately crafted like lace. The four fountains around it symbolize life, while the Moorish and North African influences on the columns send a greeting to the vast geography of the Ottoman Empire. Knowing that the green and red mosaics used in its construction were brought from Ephesus and its stones from Sarayköy makes you feel how deeply the tower is a part of these lands. This structure also proved its status as a national icon by once adorning the back of the 500 Turkish Lira banknotes.   

This elegant tower also symbolizes the city's resilience. During the major Izmir earthquake in 1974, the tower's clock stopped at the exact moment of the tremor, 02:04. After this silent testimony, the repaired clock has continued to tick away, representing Izmir's spirit of overcoming every challenge. If the story of this elegant tower has impressed you, the other historical treasures of Izmir are also waiting for you. How about exploring this rich heritage, from the Agora to Kadifekale?

Feed the pigeons in the square

As you leave the imposing shadow of the Clock Tower and move towards the heart of the square, a melody of flapping wings will greet you. The joy of Konak Square, its loyal residents, the pigeons, are there to offer you a peaceful break from the city's noise. Buy a small bag of feed from the vendors around and find a spot to enjoy the moment. This simple act will instantly transform you from a tourist into a part of local life.

Watching the historical scene around you while feeding the pigeons makes the experience even more meaningful. Every corner you turn your eyes to tells you a different side of Izmir.

Right in front of you stands the Yali Mosque, with its charming architecture, the oldest witness of the square, dating back to 1755. Right next to it, the Government House rises in all its grandeur. This building is not just an administrative center but also a sacred place symbolizing the city's liberation and independence, where the Turkish flag was raised on its balcony on September 9, 1922, with the entry of the Turkish army into Izmir. As you watch this view, you will realize that the pigeons you are feeding are actually flying on a very historic stage.   

See the modern architecture and sea view of Konak Pier

Just a few steps from the historic atmosphere of the square towards the sea, a structure that masterfully blends the past with the present greets you: Konak Pier. This building is not just a shopping center, but also the most beautiful proof of how Izmir's industrial heritage can be transformed into an elegant living space. Moreover, there is a world-famous name behind this story. Yes, you heard it right! The design of this structure, built as a customs building between 1875 and 1890, is thought to belong to the firm of Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.   

The building's journey is quite interesting. After serving as the heart of the Izmir port as a customs building for many years, it was converted into a fish market in the 1960s. This structure, where the voices of fishermen once echoed, gained its modern and stylish identity with the restoration it underwent in 2003-2004. This transformation is a world-class example of how industrial heritage can be preserved and brought back to life.   

So, what awaits you at Konak Pier today? When you step inside, you will see how the original stone walls and the steel trusses adorning the ceiling are in harmony with modern stores. You can sit in one of the seaside restaurants and sip your coffee while watching the Izmir Bay, browse the boutique shops, or watch the latest movies in the cinema halls. Especially at sunset, the view from here is a candidate to be one of the most unforgettable memories of your Izmir trip. After spending a pleasant time in the chic atmosphere of Konak Pier, you can turn your route to other attraction centers of the city for a pleasant shopping experience in Izmir.

While You're Here, Discover the Nearby Beauties

If you think your exploration of Konak Square and its surroundings is over, you are mistaken! This place is like a gateway to the most vibrant spots in Izmir. Here are some great alternatives you can reach with just a few steps:

Kemeraltı Bazaar: This historic bazaar, waiting for you right at the entrance of the square, will draw you in like a labyrinth. With its spice scents, handmade products, historic inns, and lively shopkeepers, Kemeraltı is a place where you can experience the soul of Izmir in its purest form.   

Kızlarağası Han: A hidden oasis within Kemeraltı, this historic inn is the perfect stop for a frothy Turkish coffee in its courtyard and for browsing antique shops.   

Historical Elevator (Asansör): Reachable by a short walk or tram ride, the Historical Elevator offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Izmir. Built in 1907 to facilitate transportation between two districts, this structure is now one of the most romantic spots in the city.   

Agora Open Air Museum: An indispensable stop for history enthusiasts, the Agora was the center where the state affairs of Ancient Smyrna (Old Izmir) were conducted. You will feel like you have traveled back in time as you wander among the columns and arches from the Roman period.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you go inside the Izmir Clock Tower? No, the Clock Tower can be visited and photographed from the outside as a symbol of Izmir, but it does not accept visitors inside due to its monumental structure.   

2. How to get to Konak Square? Konak Square is at the very center of Izmir's transportation network. You can easily reach it from anywhere in the city using all public transport options such as ferry, bus, tram, and metro (Konak station).   

3. Why and when was the Clock Tower built? The Clock Tower was inaugurated with ceremonies on September 1, 1901, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the accession of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II to the throne.   

Bibliography For more official information about the rich history and architectural details of the Clock Tower, you can visit the relevant page of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism: https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/izmir/gezilecekyer/saat-kulesi404803