Kordon, which stretches along the sparkling Aegean Sea, is more than a boulevard; it is Izmir’s lifeline, a cordon that connects the city to its rich nautical past. Its history dates back to the 1850s, when Izmir was a thriving trading center, attracting merchants from Europe and the Levant. Kordon has evolved over the years from a modest coastal route to an urban promenade, a site where the beat of city life meets the serene ebb and flow of the sea.

The Coastal Arc from Cumhuriyet Square to Izmir Port

Kordon’s breadth extends from the majestic Cumhuriyet Square in the south to Izmir Port in the north, providing an uninterrupted view of deep blue waters and a skyline highlighted by old and modern architecture. This stretch, formerly flanked with majestic Ottoman houses, is now home to a diverse mix of cafés, restaurants, and cultural facilities that reflect the city’s bustling culture. Whether in the bright light of dawn or under the glittering lights of night, this promenade remains an important artery of the city.

Transformation and the Battle for Preservation

In 1997, Mayor Burhan Özfatura oversaw a controversial initiative to build a six-lane expressway by reclaiming 150 meters of seawater. The initiative aroused strong popular opposition, with fears about environmental and cultural damage dominating the conversation. Two years later, in 1999, a court decision prohibited further reclamation and designated Kordon as a protected area. Newly elected Mayor Ahmet Piriştina championed a vision of rehabilitation, transforming the disputed land reclamation into a lush public area. On June 15, 2000, the renovated Kordon opened, providing a sprawling greenbelt where city people may wander, cycle, and relax in nature’s embrace.

Landmarks Along the Promenade

The reclaimed territory gave birth to noteworthy landmarks, including Gündoğdu Square, a focal point for social meetings, festivals, and political demonstrations, as well as the Alsancak Ferry Pier, an important node in Izmir’s maritime transport network. These improvements strengthened Kordon’s position as a cultural and communal core, where the city’s pulse is most visible.

Nostalgia on Rails: The Return of the Tram

In 2020, the vintage tram was reintroduced, providing a delightful reference to Izmir’s past. This tramway, which glides over the shoreline, not only allows for movement but also adds to Kordon’s beautiful attractiveness. Its slow pace lets passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the sea while connecting significant attractions along the seafront.

A Meeting Place for Locals and Visitors Alike

Life in Izmir would be unthinkable without its beautiful coastal promenade. Every evening, the grassy plains of Kordon change into an open-air living room where people may congregate with friends, sip Turkish tea, and enjoy the beautiful colors of sunset. Cyclists, joggers, and couples taking leisurely strolls share the path, while families set up picnics on the well-kept lawns. The eastern edge is brimming with pubs and cafés, its terraces alive with talk and laughter.

Cultural and Recreational Attractions

Aside from its geographical beauty, Kordon is home to various museums and attractions. The Zübeyde Hanım Museum Ship honors Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s mother and provides historical insights into Turkey’s founding father. The Arkas Art Centre, located in a magnificently renovated mansion, features alternating exhibitions of modern and classical art. The Atatürk Museum, a must-see attraction, offers an intimate look at Atatürk’s relationship with Izmir and his personal belongings.

Bicycle rentals are an excellent option to explore the promenade at your own leisure. On weekends, horse-drawn carriages perform nostalgic loops, lending an old-world elegance to the bustling boulevard.

The Ultimate Waterfront Run

Kordon is also Izmir’s most popular running route. The wide, well-paved path stretches 9.3 kilometers and offers continuous sea vistas, fresh coastal air, and a mix of urban and natural surroundings. Key distances along the trip from Alsancak to the south include:

• 0.8 km: Atatürk Museum – A historical tribute to Turkey’s founder.
• 2.0 km: Pasaport Ferry Terminal – A bustling transport hub.
• 3.1 km: Konak Ferry Terminal & Metro Station – A vital junction connecting land and sea.
• 5.2 km: Sunset Pier – A breathtaking vantage point for Izmir’s famous twilight.
• 7.8 km: Göztepe Ferry Terminal & Suspension Bridge – A blend of function and architectural beauty.
• 9.3 km: End of the path, seamlessly transitioning into Engelliler Park, a tranquil green space.

Several parks along the way provide joggers and walkers a variety of trails to explore. Engelliler Park, the southernmost point, provides a calm retreat, ideal for cooling down after a strenuous exercise.

Kordon: Where the City Breathes

Kordon is more than just a promenade; it is the heart of Izmir, where history, modernity, and nature intersect. Whether as a scenic retreat, a cultural corridor, or a fitness refuge, it remains the city’s most treasured area, attracting people from all walks of life to its limitless expanse of beauty and vibrancy.