A CITY'S ADVENTURE: TRACES OF RELIGIOUS, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE FROM BYZANTIUM TO THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
A CITY'S ADVENTURE: TRACES OF RELIGIOUS, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE FROM BYZANTIUM TO THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Summary/Abstract: This study analyses the multicultural and cosmopolitan structure of Izmir in its journey from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire and the Republic over thousands of years of history. Thanks to its strategic location, Izmir served as a bridge between East and West, witnessed the struggles between Byzantium and the Turks, and accumulated a rich economic, cultural and social heritage. The study examines the contributions of various ethnic and religious communities such as Muslims, Greeks, Armenians, Jews and Levantines to the economic, cultural and social fabric of Izmir. It is noted that the Greek community, which was one of the nonMuslim communities in the city, played an important role in the city through trade, education and social institutions. Armenians were active in trade and culture, Jews contributed to the economic and social fabric of the city from the Ottoman period to the Republic, but their population declined due to migration. Levantines played a key role in İzmir's commercial life with their economic privileges and multicultural structure, but their presence in the city decreased significantly with the nationalist movements. In the 20th century, wars, migrations and nationalist movements deeply affected the demographic structure of Izmir and changed its multicultural structure. Today, Izmir continues to build a modern identity while preserving its historical heritage and continues its success in tourism, trade and cultural fields.

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