Why Is Izmir's Karsiyaka 35 and a Half?
Table Of Contents
Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey, has a special place in everyone's heart with its history, nature and unique language. This beautiful city, which has inspired many songs, is also talked about with its unique districts. One of these districts, Karşıyaka, draws attention with its rich past and vibrant culture.
Karşıyaka's History
Karşıyaka's old name was "Coeur de Lion", which means "Lion-Heart" in French. During the Third Crusade, Richard the Lionheart's army stopped in Karşıyaka and gave his name to this region. Over time, the name changed and became Cordelion, Kordelya and finally Karşıyaka. Today, there are many businesses in the district named "Kordelia".
Karşıyaka's Unique Culture and Historical Memories
In the past, grandmothers used to say, "I'm going to İzmir to go to Konak", which shows that Karşıyaka has a privileged place in İzmir. The phrase 35 and a half (35 ½) is an indication of the ongoing competition between Karşıyaka and other districts of İzmir. For Karşıyaka fans, the slogan "full 35" is an expression of belonging and pride.
Welcome to the Holy Land
The "Welcome to the Holy Land" poster, which was the idea of sportsman Burak Ural, who lost his life in a traffic accident in Altınyol in 2007, was placed at the entrance of the district. Karşıyaka residents say that even the atmosphere of this district, where they feel at home in every sense, is different. People who do morning runs on the coastal road, ride bicycles or read books in front of the view greet each other with a smile even if they do not know each other.
It is Written as "Basketball" and Pronounced as "Karşıyaka"!
Although Karşıyaka Sports Club could not achieve the expected success in football, it has achieved great success with its basketball team. Pınar Karşıyaka, sponsored by Yaşar Holding, competes in the ING Basketball Super League and Basketball Champions League. The team, which has won 2 Super League Championships, 1 Turkish Cup and 2 Presidential Cups, is a source of pride for basketball fans. Basketball fans do not miss the matches and their average attendance is at the top every season.
Kaf Sin Kaf: Sports Club with the Star and Crescent on its Crest
Karşıyaka Sports Club, founded in 1912, is one of the 3 clubs that have the right to have the Star and Crescent on its crest. It was granted permission by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to carry the Turkish flag due to the heroism shown in the War of Independence. "Kaf Sin Kaf" is the abbreviation of the sports club in Arabic letters and all fans chant "kaf kaf kaf sin sin sin kaf sin kaf sin kaf" at the end of every organization.
The Heart of Karşıyaka: Karşıyaka Bazaar
Karşıyaka Bazaar is closed to vehicle traffic and is located between the ferry pier and the İzban station. When you enter the bazaar from the ferry pier, you will be greeted by two female statues. These statues symbolize contemporary, modern and free women. There are many businesses in the bazaar, from jewelers to bookstores, cafes to dessert shops. You can buy fresh products in the back streets, and taste the famous ice cream and lemonade. You can have a pleasant shopping experience accompanied by mini concerts of street musicians.
The Heart of Art: Suat Taşer Open Air Theater
Hosting many events from children's theaters to concerts, Suat Taşer Open Air Theater is a place where days without art never pass. With its retractable roof, events continue in the winter.
Journey to History: Latife Hanım Mansion Memorial House
The Latife Hanım Mansion, located next to Karşıyaka Station, belongs to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's wife Latife Hanım. This mansion, where his mother Zübeyde Hanım spent her last days, has been restored and serves as a Memorial House. Inside, wax statues and belongings of Atatürk, Latife Hanım and Zübeyde Hanım are exhibited.
Zübeyde Hanım Monumental Tomb
The monumental tomb located in Karşıyaka Zübeyde Hanım Park was built in 1940. Commemoration ceremonies are held every year on the anniversary of Zübeyde Hanım's death and on Mother's Day. In addition, the "Zübeyde Hanım Run", which starts from Constitution Square and ends at the Monumental Tomb, is also held.
Respect for Women's Rights: Atatürk, His Mother and Women's Rights Monument
The Women's Rights Monument, built by Prof. Tamer Başoğlu in 1972, symbolizes Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his mother Zübeyde Hanım and Turkish women in different professions. The monument, which has the Respect for Women Museum at its base, has won awards at The International Property Awards.
A Symbol of Democracy: Karşıyaka Human Rights Monument
The Human Rights Monument, built in 1992, consists of three independent pieces symbolizing democracy and human rights. The largest piece in the middle represents the door opening to human rights. It contains quotes from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the names of award winners.
Karşıyaka Beach
Karşıyaka Beach, where people used to swim in the sea, is now an ideal place for long walks. You can watch the training of Karşıyaka Sailing Club,You can walk along the beach or eat crispbread accompanied by seagulls. At the end of Bostanlı beach, you can have a pleasant time eating fish and bread with pelicans.
Shopping and Social Life: Karşıyaka's Shopping Malls
In Karşıyaka, there are also large shopping malls in addition to Karşıyaka Bazaar, which serves as an open-air shopping mall. There are clothing stores, jewelers, toy stores, restaurants and cafes here. They host many activities on special days.
Karşıyaka's beauties are endless. With its people, weather, beach, market and cultural riches, this special district of Izmir grows every day but loses none of its sincerity. Karşıyaka residents make this unique district even more special with their loyalty to each other and their slogan "Our Love is Karşıyaka".
