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Izmir Clock Tower

Izmir Clock Tower

Izmir Clock Tower is a historical clock tower built in 1901 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the enthronement of the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II in Izmir. It is located in the area between the İzmir Government House, Kemeraltı Bazaar entrance, Konak Yalı Mosque and İzmir Metropolitan Municipality building in Konak Square. The tower, which is 25 meters high and four floors, is one of the many clock towers built in the same period in the Ottoman provinces in accordance with the will of Sultan Abdülhamid II. However, it has gained a special place among other clock towers for reasons such as its original architecture and the method used in its construction.  It is considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing and elegant among Ottoman clock towers. There are records that the clock of the tower, designed by the architect Raymond Charles Péré from Izmir, was presented as a gift by the German Emperor Wilhelm II. Various symbols were placed on the tower to reflect the rule of Abdulhamid II. Just below the clocks, there was a tugra on both sides and an Ottoman coat of arms on both sides. After the enactment of the law regarding the abolition of writings, signs and symbols that reminded and praised the Ottomans during the Republic period, coats of arms and monograms were engraved and crescent-stars were made in their places. The tower was damaged during the 5.2 magnitude 1974 Izmir earthquake. In this earthquake, the last floor on the clock dials collapsed and the clock stopped at 02:04, the time of the earthquake. Within two years, the tower was repaired and the clock was restored. Its clock has been working until 2016. The Clock Tower, built on a marble platform in the shape of an octagonal shape and a four-step cross on a floor of 81 square meters, is 25 meters high and four floors. The platform of the tower is made of white marble and other parts are made of cut stone.

Transportation:                                                          

The way to reach Izmir Clock Tower in Konak district of Izmir province is as follows. You can use ESHOT buses to get to Izmir Clock Tower. The closest bus stop to go to Izmir Clock Tower is Pier stop.

Enes Sahin

Hello, I am Enes, I write content for Expat Guide Turkey every day. Don't forget to check it out! You can contact me via e-mail enes@expatguideturkey.com.

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