KONAK SQUARE
Throughout history, Izmir has been a port city and Konak is
the city centre osf Izmir. Following recent restorations this area has also
been turned into a recreational centre, and thus is now a lively spot
throughout the day. In the square can be seen: - the monumental statue of Hasan
Tahsin, who fired the “ first bullet” at the occupation forces during the War
Of Liberation, the Yali Mosque decorated with tiles from Kutahya, the clock
tower, the Municipality Building and the governor’s office.
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Built between the years 1868 and 1872 .The Turkish flag,
raised at the Governor’s office, marked the arrival of the Turkish army on 9
September 1922. This event symbolised the liberation of Izmir, giving this
location particular importance.
CLOCK TOWER – IZMIR’S CENTURY OLD SYMBOL
The clock tower, which is a symbol of Izmir, is located at
Konak Square and is a favourite meeting place for today’s residents of Izmir.
The Clock Tower was designed by the Levantine French architect. Raymond Charles
Pere in 1901 in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the
ascension of Abdulhamit II.
In the construction, the use of iron and lead elements
between the cut stone meant the tower was rendered earthquake resistant.
The clock in the
tower was a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany to Sultan Abdulhamit II of
the Ottoman Empire as the symbol of their personal friendship besides the Turk
German friendship.
The fountains located on all the 4 corners of the wide
chamber under the Clock Twer have also given the tower the characteristic of a
“ sardirvan”( fountain used for ritual ablutions and usually located in the
middle of a mosque courtyard).Another feature of the tower is the city gas
installation built inside it.In the past, this was used as a lighting source night
and in the evenings.
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