Clock Tower - Izmir's famous Landmark at Konak

Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) – The landmark of Izmir is not only a symbol of Konak, but of all of Izmir (formerly Smyrna) and is located at Konak Square in the immediate vicinity of the Yalı Mosque.

It was erected in 1901 by the Levantine-French architect Raymond Charles Péré, commissioned by Sadrazam Mehmet Said Pasha, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the accession of Abdulhamit II (r. 1876–1909).

The 25-meter-high tower, with its iron and lead construction and elegant Ottoman architecture, is surrounded by four fountains arranged in a circle, known as Şadırvan.

The columns are inspired by Moorish motifs. The clock mechanism is a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II and has been running continuously for more than 100 years. There are no inscriptions on the clock tower.

The Clock Tower Also Featured on an Old Banknote

The clock tower was depicted on the obverse of the Turkish 500-lira banknotes from 1983 to 1989.

In the former Balkan provinces of the Ottoman Empire, especially in present-day Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin cities such as Belgrade, Prijepolje, Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Gradačac, and Stara Varoš, similar clock towers still exist and are called Sahat Kula.

A Place for Everyone - The Clock Tower at Konak Square

In the 1920s, the Izmir Clock Tower stood directly on the riverbank. Over time, land reclamation has created a large square. The government building, along with the city hall and the Konak Mosque (Yalı Mosque), are other landmarks of Konak Square. The tower itself is 25 meters high and consists of four levels, based on an octagonal plan. The columns are designed in a North African style. Fountains are arranged in a circle around the base of the tower.

Grand Bazaar and Agora of Izmir nearby

From the Clock Tower, it's a short walk to the Grand Bazaar in Kemeralti, at the heart of which stands a former caravanserai, now a hub of cafes, tea houses, and countless small shops.

A visit is absolutely worthwhile, not just for history buffs. Just a little further on is the Roman Agora of Izmir, dating back to the time when it was known as Smyrna. 

Please read as well:

Historical Kemeralti Bazaar of Izmir
Gaziemir - developing suburb if Izmir

• Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak
• Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak
• Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak
• Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak
• Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak
• Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak
• Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak
• Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak
• Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak Izmir Clock-Tower at Konak
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