Agora of Smyrna explained

Agora of Smyrna
Native Name:	İzmir Agorası
Alternate Name:	Agora of İzmir
Coordinates:	38.4189°N 27.1378°W
Built:	4th century BC
Excavations:	1933–present
Public Access:	Yes

The Agora of Smyrna, alternatively known as the Agora of İzmir (Turkish: İzmir Agorası), is an ancient Roman agora located in Smyrna (present-day İzmir, Turkey). Originally built by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, the agora was ruined by an earthquake in 178 AD.^[1] Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius ordered its reconstruction.^[2] Excavations started in 1933.^[1] In 2020, the Agora of Smyrna became a Tentative World Heritage Site as part of "The Historical Port City of Izmir."^[3]

Buildings and structures of the agora

1. Faustina Gate
2. Ancient Street^[4]
3. North Stoa (Basilica)^[5]
4. West Stoa
5. Graffiti
6. Corinthian colonnade
7. Ottoman-era Muslim graveyard^[6]
8. House of Sabbatai Zevi^[7]

Recent Discoveries and Features

Recent excavations at the Agora of Smyrna have revealed several noteworthy features:

• A functional 2,000-year-old water trench, highlighting the advanced engineering of the period.
• Graffiti on the basilica wall, believed to be the world's first crossword.
• Evidence suggesting coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and Jews, as indicated by candles featuring the Star of David.
• Ongoing excavations are currently focused on Ottoman-era graveyards.

[Source: [Daily Sabah](https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/10/31/smyrna-agora-a-historical-and-architectural-treasure)]

Notes and References

1. https://izmir.ktb.gov.tr/TR-77098/izmir---agora.html İzmir - Agora
2. https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/seyahat/izmirin-kent-merkezindeki-1800-yillik-tarihi-agora-41485566 İzmir'in kent merkezindeki 1800 yıllık 'Tarihi Agora'
3. Web site: The Historical Port City of Izmir . . 16 April 2020.
4. Web site: Main street revealed in agora of Smyrna . Hürriyet Daily News . 19 March 2013 . 29 April 2020.
5. https://www.academia.edu/29751617/Graffiti_from_the_Basilica_in_the_Agora_of_Smyrna_ISAW_and_NYU_Press_2016 Graffiti from the Basilica in the Agora of Smyrna
6. https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/10/31/smyrna-agora-a-historical-and-architectural-treasure Smyrna Agora a historical and architectural treasure
7. https://www.academia.edu/4823901/Cortijo_de_Sevi_Kültür_Mirasi_Sabatay_Sevi_nin_Evi_nin_Geçmişi_Bugünü_ve_Geleceği_Toplumsal_Tarih_2010_ Cortijo de Sevi: Kültür Mirası Sabatay Sevi'nin Evi'nin Geçmişi, Bugünü ve Geleceği