Izmir is known as one of the most liberal and modern cities in Turkey. The city's young and dynamic population is characterized by its open-minded nature and friendly people. Life in Izmir is full of busy work life and social activities. The city is overflowing with cafes, restaurants, bars and shopping centers. The promenades along the coastline are among the places where both locals and visitors spend most of their time. Izmir residents often prefer to spend time outdoors and on sunny days they use the promenades for walking, cycling or just sitting by the sea.
Izmir's traditions and customs are nourished by the rich cultural heritage of the Aegean Region. Traditional Aegean cuisine is famous for its olive oil dishes, appetizers made with herbs and vegetables, fish and seafood. Local delicacies such as İzmir kumru, boyoz, lokma and şambali are indispensable parts of the city's street culture. In addition, the annual Izmir International Fair has an important place in the city's cultural calendar and brings together people from many different cultures.
Traditional events and festivals in the city also enrich Izmir's cultural life. The annual Izmir International Arts Festival and Izmir European Jazz Festival host local and international artists. In addition, ancient theater performances in historical sites such as Bergama and Ephesus offer an artistic satisfaction as well as a connection to the past.
Izmir's traditional weddings are often characterized by large and joyous celebrations. Music, dancing and feasting are the musts of these special occasions. As in traditional Turkish weddings, Izmir weddings are also characterized by the zeybek dance accompanied by the drum and zurna. Living in Izmir means taking part in an environment full of such rich cultural events.
As a result, living in Izmir offers an energetic and colorful experience with both modern and traditional elements intertwined. The city's rich historical past and contemporary lifestyle shape the daily life of Izmiris, while hospitality and friendliness are always at the forefront. These characteristics are among the factors that make Izmir an attractive place to live.