Karsiyaka, the area known as "Opposite Shore" in Turkish, is the purported birthplace of the poet Homer, and was the residence of one of Turkey's most famous contemporary poets, Attila Ilhan. For years, it was a tranquil summer resort for Izmir high society, but has expanded to accommodate Izmir's growing population. On a hot summer day, the 20-minute ferry from Konak to Karsiyaka is a great way to cool off, and once you're here, you can walk along the commercial strip, Izmir's version of Istanbul's Istiklal Caddesi in Taksim. Try some Izmir lokma (sweet Turkish donut holes) for which the district is famous. You can catch the ferry at Konak's quay; tickets cost around $1.
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