About Izmir (ancient Smyrna), Turkey:
The ancient Church of Smyrna was a significant site in early Christianity, one of the “Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation”.
The modern city of Smyrna is now known as İzmir.The name was changed in 1930 due to a Turkish government efforts under Kamal Attaturke to standardize place names after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. While the name change was formalized internationally in 1930, the Turkish name “İzmir” was already in use by the local Turkish population prior to this date.
Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey, with a population of around 3 million. Situated on the Aegean coast, it is Turkey’s second busiest port (after Istanbul).
Catholic places of interest in Izmir (ancient Smyrna), Turkey:
Izmir is its own Diocese and there are several Catholic churches here in Izmir.
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church (also known as the Church of the Holy Rosary), founded in 1904 and built by the Armenian Dominican order.
Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist
Saint Polycarp Church:
As one of the oldest churches in Izmir, this church is located in central Izmir and is dedicated to Saint Polycarp, the city’s patron saint. Saint Polycarp (an early disciple of St. John) was the Bishop of Smyrna who was martyred in the city in the 2nd century A.D. The church was founded by Saint John, who sent his greetings to the Church of Smyrna in the Book of Revelation.
Izmir celebrates “Saint Polycarp Day” every year on February 23
In 1775, with the approval of the Ottoman authorities and the support of Louis XVI, the church was restored once again and transformed into a three-nave basilica. During restorations carried out between 1892 and 1898, the structure was expanded with the addition of chapels and elaborately decorated. Toward the end of the 19th century, French artist, painter, and architect Raymond C. Péré, who had settled in İzmir, created frescoes inside the church depicting Saint Polycarp’s life.
Address: Akdeniz, Necati Bey Blv. no:2/A, 35210 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Phone: +90 232 484 84 36