Layers of Smyrna
Ride the Asansör in Karataş
A 1907 public elevator up a cliff face, and one of the best views over the gulf.
Why do it?
The Asansör is exactly what its name says: an elevator, built in 1907 so the residents of the Karataş neighborhood wouldn't have to climb 155 steps between the shore and the cliff-top streets. It still runs, and the terrace at the top looks out over the whole gulf. At the bottom is Dario Moreno Sokağı — a pretty lane named after the Izmir-born singer — and around it the old Karataş quarter, one of the historic centers of Izmir's Jewish community.
The Smileys Take
Come for the view at sunset and give the streets around it more time than the elevator itself — the walk through Karataş and along Dario Moreno Sokağı is the real experience. It pairs naturally with a waterfront walk toward Güzelyalı afterwards. Quietly one of our favorite corners of the central city.
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Do it with people
The Smileys community does things like this every week — organized events, spontaneous hangouts, and visitors looking for company.
Tips from Smileys
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