Karsiyaka

Karsiyaka Review

Karsiyaka, which means the "opposite side/shore" in Turkish, is one of several purported birthplaces of the poet Homer, and was the residence of one of Turkey's most famous contemporary poets, Attila Ilhan. For years, it was a tranquil summer resort for Izmir's upperclass, but the area has been expanded and developed to accommodate Izmir's growing population. On a hot summer day, the 20-minute ferry ride from Konak to Karsiyaka is a great way to cool off, and on arriving, you can walk along the commercial strip, Izmir's version of Istanbul's Istiklal Street. Try some lokma (sweet doughnut holes), for which the district is famous. You can catch the ferry from the Konak Pier; the cost is about 4 TL.