Izmir Kemeraltı Bazaar

Located in the Konak district of İzmir, the Kemeraltı Bazaar stands out as a vibrant and multi-layered trade center dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Starting from the Mezarlıkbaşı district and extending to Konak Square, this historical bazaar is not just a shopping destination; it is a unique venue that reflects the cultural memory of the city.

A Trade Center in History

The history of Kemeraltı dates back to the mid-17th century. Created by filling the seashore at that time, this area over time overflowed with inns, mosques, synagogues, and shops. The area around the Hisar Mosque, built in 1592 in particular, became the focal point of the bazaar’s development. Structures such as the Kızlarağası Inn, built in 1744, shed light on the commercial structure of the period.

From Covered Bazaar to Open-Air Heritage

Kemeraltı, which was a vaulted covered bazaar when it was first established, maintained this feature until the 19th century. Over time, it transformed into today's open-air market with its open streets. Nevertheless, some vaulted and domed structures continue to preserve the original architecture.

The Dynamic Structure of the Bazaar

The bazaar, which in the past hosted many tradesmen groups from blacksmiths to spice sellers, from the hay market to coal miners, was organized by allocating separate streets to each professional group. Today, it offers a wide range of services from traditional handicrafts to modern clothing stores. Handcrafted products such as ceramics, tiles, carpets and wood still keep the spirit of the bazaar alive.

Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Wealth

The approximately 1800-year-old Roman bathhouse unearthed as a result of excavations carried out in 2016 also revealed the history of Kemeraltı dating back to ancient times. Such archaeological findings prove that the bazaar bears traces not only of the Ottoman period, but also of much earlier periods.

UNESCO Process and Journey to the Future

Kemeraltı, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List with the title of “Historical Port City of Izmir” in 2020, has gained even more importance as a cultural heritage site with this process. In addition, the bazaar, which has been closed to motor vehicle traffic at certain hours and pedestrianized since 2018, has been made more livable for both visitors and tradesmen.

Kemeraltı is not just a bazaar, it is an open-air museum that keeps Izmir's historical identity alive. It is possible to find a different story at every street corner and a trace of the past in every shop.