Discover Hidden Gem of Izmir, his town Tire

Nestled in the heart of Izmir province, the charming town of Tire is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its vibrant weekly market, artisan craftsmanship, and ancient heritage, Tire invites travelers to step back in time and embrace the warmth of Turkish traditions. This quaint town, just a short drive from Izmir city center, is an unmissable destination for anyone looking to explore beyond the well-trodden tourist paths.

At Gezenthi Travel Agency, we believe that Tire offers an authentic glimpse into the heart of Anatolian life. Here’s why you should add it to your itinerary.

1. A Walk Through History

Tire’s history spans thousands of years, with traces of ancient civilizations, Byzantine influences, and Ottoman grandeur still visible today. As you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll discover historic mosques, hammams, and bazaars that reflect its storied past.

Yalınayak Mosque: This small yet beautiful mosque is a fine example of Ottoman architecture. Its serene atmosphere offers a moment of peace amidst exploration.

Tire Museum: For history enthusiasts, the Tire Museum showcases artifacts from the ancient Hellenistic, Roman, and Ottoman periods. It’s a must-visit to understand the depth of the region’s past.

2. Vibrant Tire Market

Every Tuesday, Tire transforms into a bustling hub of activity with its famous open-air market. It’s one of the largest in Turkey and a dream come true for shoppers and food lovers alike.

Local Produce: The market overflows with fresh fruits, vegetables, and regional delicacies like olive oil and cheese.

Handmade Crafts: Tire is famous for its handcrafted items, particularly felt products, embroidery, and silver jewelry. These items make for unique souvenirs.

Traditional Flavors: Sample authentic Turkish street food like gözleme (savory pancakes) and köfte (meatballs) while you browse.

3. Artisan Heritage

Tire is home to artisans who keep centuries-old traditions alive. One of the highlights is the art of felt-making, a craft passed down through generations. Visitors can watch these skilled craftsmen at work and even purchase beautifully made felt products that reflect the town's heritage.

4. Culinary Delights

Tire’s culinary scene is as rich as its history. The town is renowned for its signature dish, Tire Kebab, a flavorful delicacy made from skewered meat served with tomato sauce and yogurt. The local bakeries and tea gardens are also perfect spots to enjoy a leisurely meal while soaking in the town’s ambiance.

5. Stunning Nature and Scenic Views

Tire’s surroundings are equally enchanting. Nestled at the foot of the Aydın Mountains, the town offers breathtaking landscapes that combine lush greenery, rolling hills, and traditional Turkish villages.

Tire Forests: Ideal for hiking and picnicking, these forests provide a tranquil escape from city life.

Kaplancık Castle: Perched atop a hill, this ancient castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, making it a popular spot for photography.

6. Tire’s Festivals and Culture

Tire hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its heritage with music, dance, and local traditions. The Tire Culture and Art Festival is particularly popular, drawing visitors from across Turkey.

Although it is unknown when it was founded, it is known to have had a relative importance under the Lydian rule, when it was called Tyyrha. As it laid on the trade routes between the capital of Lydia and Ephesus, it grew larger and larger every decade. Called Theíra in the Roman period, the town maintained its distinguished position. It went under the rule of the Ottoman Empire in the early 15th century and housed a large Jewish population during that era. 

Tire was home to the Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain and Portugal at the end of the 15th century. In fact, the Jews who were invited to the Ottoman Empire during this period were settled in Tire and Manisa, not in İzmir. Despite having a significant Jewish population in the 16th century, Jews from places such as Tire, Manisa, Thessaloniki and the Aegean Islands moved to İzmir due to the increased commercial activities with the development of the harbour of İzmir in the 17th century. However, in the records of 1908 it is suggested that Tire housed 2 different synagogues.