Must-See Places in Tire, Home to Different Cultures

Tire, a district of Izmir, has been home to various cultures such as the Hittites, Byzantines, Persians, and Romans since ancient times. The name Tire comes from the word "three," which in all Indo-European languages means "three." It is believed to have received this name because it was founded by the three tribes of the Pelasgians, the first settled people of Asia Minor. Although it is said to have been known by many different names, none are mentioned in any sources.

With its clean air, natural greenery, and local products, Tire has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. It has gained recognition throughout Turkey for its local delicacies. Especially on weekends, people from Izmir visit Tire for day trips, walking through its history-filled streets and visiting homes where the old architecture remains intact.

One of the most famous products of Tire is, of course, Tire Kofte. While you can find it in almost every restaurant, you can also purchase it as a pre-cooked product at the Tire Dairy Cooperative, a local cooperative. Most of the cooperative's products are certified organic. Their products are sold throughout Izmir, and the range is extensive, including everything from organic legumes to eggs.

Another local specialty that you should definitely try in Tire is Mud Cheese. This cheese is unique to the district, and since you can't find it elsewhere, it’s a must for those who want to add a unique flavor to their breakfast table. It's made from cow's milk, with a mix of low-salt cheese and curd. While you’re here, we also recommend trying the famous chickpea yeast bread and Tire Yogurt.

So, what can you visit when you go to Tire? What are the must-see places in Tire? We’ve prepared a small guide for you.

How to Get to Tire?

If you’re traveling to Tire by car, expect a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. Part of the road takes you through the Izmir-Aydın highway, but the route changes as you get closer to Tire.

Derekahve

If you haven’t had your tea or coffee yet, we recommend a place where you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee with a stunning view. This natural beauty not only offers every shade of green but is also incredibly peaceful, with the sounds of birds and the calming flow of the stream. Although not too far from residential areas, it is one of the rare places that has managed to preserve its natural beauty. If you want to try something different besides coffee, you can find koruk sherbet(a traditional unripe grape drink) on the café menus at Derekahve. We recommend trying this refreshing drink. If you're looking for a snack, you can opt for the famous Tire toast or Tire kofte.

One of the most interesting structures in the Derekahve area is the stone Ayazma, believed to have been built in the 5th century. In the Orthodox Greek tradition, an Ayazma is a small chapel built near a water source. The most fascinating aspect of this Ayazma is that during the equinox, when the three windows and the door are opened, a cross-shaped shadow is cast where the light enters.

Kaplan Village

Kaplan Mountain is surrounded by forests filled with chestnut, walnut, and plane trees. It’s also known as the gourmet village due to the presence of a fine-dining restaurant that ranks among the top 10 in Turkey. On weekends, local tourists from surrounding cities and towns flock to Kaplan Village to enjoy its unique flavors.

You’ll also find small stalls selling homemade products like pomegranates and elms. We highly recommend a visit to this village, where the stunning nature offers a sense of tranquility.

Tire Market

In recent years, the demand for organic products has been steadily increasing. The appeal of fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables, along with the discovery of new flavors, has also heightened interest in local markets. However, Tire’s famous Tuesday market has never lost its charm from the past to the present. This well-known market has over 1,600 stalls. Many people from nearby districts and even Izmir’s center come to this market to find not only all kinds of fruits and vegetables but also unique Aegean herbs. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely visit this market, known as the most abundant herb and cheese market in the Aegean. Handmade products, such as needlework, are also available at this open-air market.

Tire Kurşunlu Han

Tire Kurşunlu Han, built by Grand Vizier Lütfü Pasha, is also known as Copper Han because it was mainly used by copper traders visiting Tire. When it was first built, the inn had 34 rooms on the upper floor and 19 rooms on the lower floor. Part of the inn has collapsed, resulting in some changes to its historical structure. Today, Kurşunlu Han serves as a commercial building.

Bedesten Han

Bedesten Han, dating back to the Byzantine period, is one of the most famous inns. It was recently restored to its original state, complete with 8 domes, 4 doors, and 32 shops. The inn, which has retained its historical character, was once run by silk merchants. After its restoration, the inn is set to become a marketplace for authentic products unique to Tire, while preserving its historical essence.

In addition to these inns, there are other historical places, such as İki Kapılı Han, Kutu Han, Mathius Han, and Ali Efe Han, each with many rooms and baths. Be sure to add these famous historical inns to your list of places to visit in Tire.

Tire City Museum

As you enter the courtyard of the Tire City Museum, founded by Atatürk, you are greeted by colorful flowers and trees. Upon entering, you’ll immediately notice sarcophagi and statues from the Roman period. The museum has two sections: the Archaeology Hall and the Ethnography Hall. In the Archaeology Hall, you’ll find statues and marble tables from both before and after Christ, while the Ethnography Hall displays artifacts from the Ottoman period, including dowry chests, traditional clothing, jewelry, and many other items. Another section of the museum is dedicated to forgotten professions, which were once highly valued but are now rare. We highly recommend visiting this museum, which has a very affordable entry fee, when you visit Tire.

Gastro-Tire

Now, let’s talk a bit about Tire’s famous fine-dining restaurant. To reach this place, you’ll have to take a mountain road, and after a winding drive, you’ll arrive at the village. Gastro-Tire, a family-run business nestled in lush greenery, uses only local ingredients. The restaurant’s chef personally visits the market to handpick the ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, reflecting the fresh products of each season. If you enjoy discovering new places and flavors, be sure to make a reservation before visiting, as the restaurant does not accept walk-in customers. One of the restaurant's unique features is its set menu, where each dish is served in a specific order, and the sous-chef explains the story behind each dish. In terms of pricing, it falls within the range of other fine-dining restaurants.

Kaplan Mountain Restaurant

Located about 20 minutes from the center of Tire, past Kaplan Village, this restaurant is situated near the summit of the mountain. Kaplan Mountain Restaurant, one of Turkey’s top 10 outdoor restaurants, offers a spectacular view where you can enjoy the unique flavors of the Aegean. The owner sources all of the products from the local market and butcher in Kaplan. This spacious and airy restaurant will transport you to a whole new world of flavors with its wide variety of mezes and dishes. While you’re here, you must try the stuffed zucchini flowers and eggplant lalengi.

Written by: Seren Barlak