Abstract:

Izmir, which is the largest port city of Anatolia has a history that goes back to 3000 B.C. Izmir, during its long history, had great advantages because of being a port and trade city. At the same time Izmir became a focus of interest of various forces due to its wealth and strategic location. In 1081 Izmir was captured by Çaka Bey. Thus the city fell first under Turkish control. In the summer of 1097 the city passed back to the Byzantine domination thanks to the Crusaders. Izmir, more than three hundred years remained in the Byzantine administration. In 1317 Aydınoglu Mehmet Bey captured first the upper fort of Kadifekale, and then the lower port castle of Liman Kalesi was captured by his son, Umur Bey in 1329. So that the city passed into the hands of the Turks completely. At the end of 1343 the Crusaders captured the lower port castle. After this date city was divided into two between Crusaders and Turks and this situation continued until conquest of lower port castle by Emir Timur in 1402. After Timur’s departure from Izmir, Cüneyd Bey seized administration of city. Cüneyd Bey’s dominance in Izmir and surrounding areas continued until 1426. After this date Izmir has passed under Otoman rule

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