The forgotten past of Smyrna and why everyone’s talking

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:52:04 +0000

The Forgotten Past of Smyrna: Why This Ancient City is Back in the Spotlight For centuries, Smyrna—now modern-day Izmir, Turkey—stood as one of the most vibrant and strategically vital cities of the ancient Mediterranean. Yet despite its rich history spanning over 4,000 years, its story has often been overshadowed, buried beneath time and tragedy. Today, Smyrna is slowly emerging from the shadows, capturing global attention as scholars, historians, and tourists alike rediscover its forgotten legacy—and uncover why so many are finally talking about this remarkable past. ### A Legacy Drowned in Fire and Ruin Originally settled by the Greeks in the 11th century BCE, Smyrna thrived as a major port and cultural hub in Asia Minor. Its strategic location on the Aegean coast made it a crossroads of trade, art, and philosophy, drawing influences from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations. By the Roman era, it was renowned for its grand architecture, thriving markets, and cosmopolitan society—an enduring symbol of Mediterranean excellence.