The BIE Committee conducted an inquiry mission in Izmir on November 6-7-8, 2007 in order to look for answers to its questions through an intense program. The members of the Executive Committee and the Steering Board of EXPO 2015 Izmir, representing the local authorities, the related trade associations and the civil society, made presentations and answered the questions of the BIE Committee at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The 14 questions that the BIE Committee has addressed and their answers with their main features can be summarized as follows:
1. Title, opening-closing dates and hours of EXPO
The title of the exhibition will be ‘Izmir 2015 Universal Exhibition’, and its short title is decided to be ‘EXPO 2015 Izmir’. The theme of EXPO is going to be ‘New routes to a better world/ Health for all’. Thus, the main theme is determined as ‘health’. The definition of this theme is not limited to the field of medicine, but rather it has been used within a broad context. The exhibition will open on Thursday, April 30th, 2015 and close on Saturday, October 31st, 2015. So, it will offer 185 days of celebration, which make just over 26 weeks, approximately 6 months. The pavilions will be open for a full twelve hours each day, from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. The night Expo will ru2. Local, national and international reasons that have prompted the proposal. Noteworthy results that might be anticipated
The EXPO 2015 Izmir will be the first EXPO organized in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Despite the fact that the majority of the population is Muslim, Turkey offers a unique setting with its multi-religious, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and secular structure. Thus, in a world of conflicts between civilizations and religions, Izmir will be an unspoiled and peaceful venue. Izmir will inspire visitors, artists, professionals, philosophers and scientists. This inspiration is perfectly compatible with the global goals of EXPO. EXPO 2015 Izmir will reactivate the administrative system that has developed over the last 10 years. This system has also influenced rapidly social relationships between urban residents and the ancient cultural life. In addition, EXPO 2015 will spread art and culture out from the city center into the urban periphery. EXPO 2015 will also give Izmir a unique opportunity to realize its potential, improve its infrastructure, architectural design and transportation systems, increase the amount of investments, employment level and per capita income level, promote the quality of urban life, and also advance its tourism potential and the level of trade. In addition, many economic opportunities for the Aegean Region and the north of the Mediterranean will be generated. Consequently, Izmir will achieve its goal of becoming a global trade mark and a world city.
3. Local political, economic and social environment in terms of the attitude of special interest groups as well as citizens in general towards ...
The BIE delegates who came to
Izmir
for the Second International Symposium departed from
Turkey
following their last stop in Pamukkale. Prior to their departure, the delegates eulogized the organization and
Izmir
. Emphasizing that the theme ‘Health for All” was a very accurate choice, and this theme was taken up very well during the symposium, the delegates noted that they were deeply impressed with the solidarity and the joined forces presented by the President, the government and the people of Izmir.
The impressions of the delegates concerning Izmir and their contacts covered by the daily Yeni Asir Newspaper were as follows:
Florin Todori - Romania
You have chosen a very good theme. The emphasis on this theme is very appropriate not only for
Turkey
but also for the world. Improving and deepening the theme was very successful. Transforming it into an international cooperation platform was very good. We observed that the entire national and local authorities extended support for EXPO. You have created a national synergy within the framework of EXPO. We overrate the messages given by the President. Finally, you have also demonstrated your ability in hosting an international organization.
Rania Liswi –
Jordan
Despite the high participation, it was a very well-planned organization. The theme was defined very well and we received the message aimed to be conveyed. The hospitality was very friendly. However, it has never been at the point that could be disturbing. This is the common view of me and many other delegates.
Guillerma Parere Lambert –
Cuba
Today, the most important thing in the world is health. Health was also very significant during the Cuba Revolution. This theme bears importance not only for
Cuba
but also for the poor countries.
Cuba
made contributions to the poor countries in the health field during and after the revolution. Working for health globally is important. Global cooperation within the framework of this theme is also very significant. We should extend assistance to the poor, otherwise globalization is impossible. With this theme,
Turkey
pointed to this global target. It was a very successful symposium.
Vladimir Baykov –
Russia
I was deeply impressed with the Turkish hospitality. It was really enormous. This symposium has been a very good opportunity in order to discover and be acquainted with your beautiful country and your nation. I have previously visited
Istanbul
a couple of times. I have established very good friendships. If I grab at an opportunity, I would like to come to Turkey and to Izmir again.
Lauren Skitt Aukenguet –
Gabon
Many things happened that affected me and other delegates. Your hospitality was very good. We were hosted by a professional team. The presentation of your theme was very well. We initially saw the EXPO site physically. Afterwards, ...
Izmir’s history goes back to 3000 B.C. according to the results of historical knowledge and archaeological excavations. Findings and many investigations have been made to enlighten Izmir’s history: The continuous excavations on the Bayrakli ridges by Prof. Dr. Ekrem Akurgal since 1959, the discovery of the Zeus Altar by the German archaeologist Carl Humman in Pergamon (Bergama) between 1866 and 1878, the discovery of the Artemis Temple in 1869 by the British Wood and the continuous excavations by Austrian archaeologists at certain intervals of the city of ancient Ephesus since 1904. Also many researchers in different universities are still investigating on the city’s historical development.
Many legends are known about the derivation of the name of Izmir. According to the knowledge acquired from scientific studies the word "IZMIR" came from Smyrna in the ancient Ionian dialect and it was written as Smyrna in the Attican (around Athens) dialect. The word Smyrna was not Greek, it came from Anatolian root like many other names in the Aegean Region from the texts belonging to 2000 B.C. in the Kültepe settlement in Kayseri, a place called Tismyrna was come across and the (Ti) at the beginning was omitted and the city was pronounced as Smyrna. So the city was called Smyrna the early years of 3000 B.C. or late 1800 B.C. In the Turkish era the city was called Izmir.
In the years of 3000 B.C. Western Anatolia was under a rich Trojan civilization influence. The settlement areas built on the Aegean coast also developed generally under the Trojan influence. The Hittites which Homer wrote about in the Iliad, were an active force and civilization in the Anatolian mountain pastures because the Trojans were allies of the Hittites and they had a big influence on the Aegean settlements. As a matter of fact Pitane (Çandarli) in the Bakirçay River basin and similar settlements were built by the Hittites. It is believed that the Amazons lived in the area between Caria and the Lydia which today is the sides of the Yamanlar Mountains, and they carried on their existence until the arrival of the Aiolos and the Ions.
The Aiolos and the Ions who Fled from the Doric invasion around 1000 B.C., came from Greece and settled in Izmir and its surroundings. The important Aeol and Ionian settlements are as follows: Bergama (Pergamon), Manisa (Magnesia), Izmir (Smyrna), Urla (Klazomenai, near Cesme), Kemalpasa (Nimphaion), Cesme-Ildiri (Erythrai), Sigacik (Teos), Phokaia, Selcuk (Ephesus).
Until the 7th century B.C. Izmir got richer because of its trade with its neighbors especially Lydia. Its good neighbor relationships with Lydia lasted until the Lydians were conquered by the Persians. The Persian sovereignty ended with Alexander the Great's arrival to Anatolia in 334 B.C. In these years, in which the Hellenistic period began, a new settlement was formed around Kadifekale (Mount Pagos) and its city wall...
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...
For the ancient and medieval history of the city, see Smyrna.
İzmir
Pasaport Quay in İzmir as seen from Konak Pier
Coat of Arms of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality
Location in Turkey
Overview
Region
Aegean Region, Turkey
Province
İzmir Province
Population
3.097.000 (2007)
http://www.tuik.gov.tr/
Elevation
30 m
Coordinates
38°26′N 27°09′E / 38.433, 27.15Coordinates: 38°26′N 27°09′E / 38.433, 27.15
Postal code
35xxx
Area code
(0090)+ 232
Licence plate code
35
Mayor
Aziz Kocaoğlu (Republican People's Party)
Website
www.izmir.bel.tr/
Governor
Mustafa Cahit Kıraç
Governor website
www.izmir.gov.tr
İzmir, historically Smyrna, is the third most populous city of Turkey and the country's largest port after İstanbul. It is located in the Gulf of İzmir, by the Aegean Sea. It is the capital of İzmir Province. The city of İzmir is composed of 9 metropolitan districts. These are Balçova, Bornova, Buca, Çiğli, Gaziemir, Güzelbahçe, Karşıyaka, Konak and Narlıdere. Each district, and often also the neighborhoods within, possesses distinct features and a particular temperament (for detailed information, see the articles on these districts). The 2000 population of this urban zone was 2,409,000 and the 2005 estimate is 3,500,000.
İzmir is inheritor of almost 3500 years of urban past, and possibly up to that much more in terms of advanced human settlement patterns. It is Turkey's first port for exports and its free zone, a Turkish-U.S. joint-venture established in 1990, is the leader among the twenty that Turkey counts. Its workforce, and particularly its rising class of young professionals, concentrated either in the city or in its immediate vicinity (such as in Manisa), and under either larger companies or SME's, affirm their name in increasingly wider global scale and intensity [1]. İzmir is widely regarded as one of the most liberal Turkish cities in terms of values, ideology, lifestyle, dynamism and gender roles. It is a stronghold of the Republican People's Party.
The city hosts an international arts festival during June/July, and İzmir International Fair, one among the city's many fair and exhibition events, is held in the beginning of September every year. It is served by national and international flights through Adnan Menderes Airport and there is a modern rapid transit line running Southwest to Northeast. İzmir hosted the Mediterranean ...
Here's everything you need to know before you go from what weather to expect to how to apply for a visa. There's also a list of useful products and services such as traveler's insurance companies, and much more.
Turkish Visa Information
Most travelers can purchase a visa at any port of entry, but you must have cash. They do not accept traveler's checks or Turkish lira. If you'd like to avoid the delay of purchasing a visa when you arrive, you can apply online.
Americans and U.K. residents need visas. Visas are good for three months. There is a non-refundable processing fee of 26 USD in cash or money order for single entry or 87 USD in cash or money order for multiple entry, payable to Turkish Consulate General. Full information on these requirements is available at the Turkish Consulate Online.
Americans can reach the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate General offices in Los Angeles, which also has e-mail links to Consulates in Houston, Chicago and New York.
Australians and Canadians do not need visas and may stay for three months. Australians can reach the Turkish Embassy in Canberra.
Danes can reach the Turkish Embassy in Copenhagen.
Germans can reach the Turkish Embassy in Bonn.
The Swiss can reach the Turkish consulate in Zurich.
For a full list of Turkish consulates and missions, go to www.mfa.gov.tr.
If you don't find your country, you can e-mail the closest Turkish Embassy regarding visa requirements.
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Travel Advisories
The British Foreign Office provides up-to-date information for travelers to Turkey. They offer information and addresses of British Consular Services Abroad as well as practical tips and health information. They also offer a new service you can sign up for that sends you updates on any country you request!
The U.S. State Department has information on travel safety and precautions. If you plan to drive a car, they also have an excellent Driver Safety Briefing that includes translation of road signs.
Street Crime in Turkey is another important consideration. You can find information at the US Embassy's Ankara website.
The U.S. State Department encourages its citizens visiting in Turkey to register either with the Embassy in Ankara or the consulates in Istanbul or Adana.
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Health Precautions
What immunizations do you need for your trip? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) at has the answers for you and your physician.
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Traveler's Insurance
Absolutely, positively think about travel insurance. Turkish hospitals and physicians do not operate on the Hippocratic oath, unless you have cash, a charge card, or insurance! Here are a few companies that offer traveler's insurance on-line.
J.N. Grace Online Travel Insurance is a U.S. company that offers insurance to anyone, but travel must originate in the U.S. or Canada.
Travel Guard Internatio...
