"URLA" a Urla Travel Page by Pinat

Urla or the ancient Ionian city of Klazomenaia was once the most regularly used port in the world. However, it is not only the port Klazomenaia was famous for. Anatolia's first olive oil factory was also set up here.

Klazomenaia was one of 12 Ionian cities in western Turkey three thousand years ago. Each city was important for different reasons, Klazomenai for its economic prosperity based on olive oil production. Latest excavations around Urla have revealed the remains of an olive oil factory dating back to the 6th century BC.

Hear what Herodotus, the father of history, tells about today's Urla: "The Ionians who gathered in Panionion established their cities under the most beautiful skies and in the most beautiful climates on the earth. Neither the regions to the north nor those to the south can compare with Ionia; in truth neither east nor west. Some are cold and wet, others hot and dry."

The remains of Klazomenaia lie on the south shore of the Gulf of Ýzmir on the Aegean, in fields on the outskirts of the town of Urla, a region which as Herodotus said is indeed blessed with that perfect Mediterranean climate.

Coming bact to today's Urla, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the rise of Izmir as an international trade port first relieved Urla from its security concerns. But, later on, the town became completely dependent on its nearby metropolis, Izmir in terms of trade and the usage of its port.

Today secondary and seasonal residences compose the major part of Urla's economy. Plus, agriculture remains as an important part in local's lives, olive production being the most popular activity.