[Mella]

Inside the Kemeralti bazaar is one of the most interesting structures of Izmir: Kizlaragasi Hani.

Kizlaragasi Hani is an Ottoman caravanserai built in 1744 by Haci Beşir Ağa.

Being the rare sample of Ottoman architecture that could survive to the present day, it is a typical Ottoman inn with bazaars and courtyards.

It is a magnificent construction with a 4000 square meter courtyard, with a roof completely covered with lead.

The inn has always been lively because of it's close proximity to the harbour. The Kizlaragasi Hani, which was originally an inn for travelers coming from the East carrying silk and spices, will allow one to witness the mesmerizing ambiance of Ottoman-style life. Today the well-preserved caravanserai shelters many souvenir shops situated side by side. It is a real pleasure to drink a cup of tea at the cafe in Kizlaragasi Hani and think that this was where the Silk Road ended in the past.

However, the bazaar has lost it's importance not only by the changes in transport caused by the technology but also due to the movements in economic life in the 18th and 19th century. After the accommodation in the inn had come to an end, Kizlaragasi became a place where the goods where landed and stocked.

It was restored im 1888-1933 and today it is used as a touristic bazaar where you can find many shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, carpets, silver, clothing, hubble-bubbles and leather clothes.

The inn also has a teahouse where you can drink tea while you are breathing in the mystical atmosphere of the inn. Kizlaragasi Hani is the only inn where you can live past and present at the same time.

It is one of my favorite places in Izmir.

Website: http://www.kizlaragasihani.com/

Kizlaragasi Hani Video:




Here are some pictures:

[Hephaestion]

It is so beautiful in there and there are some süper shops inside the archways.

Lovely pics and vid, Carm!

[Mella]

I know I love it Chris. I could just sit in Umit's coffeehouse soaking up the atmosphere all day, it's amazing!

And the people watching is great whilst sipping a delicious Turkish tea.

[ally]

One of my favourite places in Izmir and I always go there whenever I'm in Kemeraltl. I love the shops in there, especially the costume jewellery shops and the shops that look like Aladdin's Cave selling lots of little nic-nacs.

I always have one of the delicious baked potatoes they sell there, they're absolutely gigantic with lots of filling.


Alison

[aesynoid]

I love Kizlaragasi aswell. It is a "must be seen". It has a completely different atmosphere in there.

[Hephaestion]

Originally Posted by Carmella

I know I love it Chris. I could just sit in Umit's coffeehouse soaking up the atmosphere all day, it's amazing!

And the people watching is great whilst sipping a delicious Turkish tea.

Your so lucky to actually live in Izmir, Carmy. My brief visit´s are so hectic I never get to truely relax when I am there.

Originally Posted by ally

One of my favourite places in Izmir and I always go there whenever I'm in Kemeraltl. I love the shops in there, especially the costume jewellery shops and the shops that look like Aladdin's Cave selling lots of little nic-nacs.

I always have one of the delicious baked potatoes they sell there, they're absolutely gigantic with lots of filling.


Alison

You know what Ally. If i come over with my mum next time I am going to leave her in your care (& car if she doesn´t watch out)! Seriously i think you two would really get on like a house on fire. My mum goes absolutely ga-ga in there. She buys up large quantities of all kinds of beeds, sequins etc etc. She´s manic!
We even bought some wrought iron shelve holders.


Great little art store just outside on a side street.

[Angelika]

this place is great I try to visit every time i make it to izmir.

alison the baked potatoes are so scrumptious and enormous!

[Mella]

Originally Posted by Hephaestion

Your so lucky to actually live in Izmir, Carmy. My brief visit´s are so hectic I never get to truely relax when I am there.

Yeah I really love living in Izmir.

Although they are not very appreciative of me trying to learn Turkish. I went into Tansas and asked for 2 packets of L&M (in my best Turkish) and the girl stared at me as if I was from Planet G.O.R.A.

[candylove]

Kizlaragasi Hani Izmir is one of izmir's wonders. a trip to izmir isn't complete without going there.

[Izmir Expat]

This is a great place to buy presents for people back home. There are so many little shops hidden away selling things like jewelry and old Turkish instruments.