İzmir Pasaport Pier is an important point where the city embraces the sea. It is located between Konak and Alsancak on the shores of Izmir Gulf. The area around the pier becomes one of the frequent destinations of foreigners as well as the people of Izmir. While some try to stop the moment and take photos, others merge with their loneliness and enjoy the peaceful view of the sea. The building has witnessed many moments throughout history and perhaps hosted humanity. The cafes along the beach witness to this flow of life with a lively and never ending energy.
As the sun slowly rises in the sky, the silent ritual of the morning begins, and the pier begins to wake up from its sleep and witness the awakening of nature. Movement starts from the early hours of the morning. As the first light of the day begins to spread in rays, fishing boats embracing the day set out to sea, and ferries and ferries begin to approach the shore. Life begins to be lived step by step, minutes by hour.
The pier witnesses many stories during the day. Sometimes a reunion. Sometimes it’s a farewell. Sometimes it accompanies people who are trying to catch up with life. While some people go to work, others make ends meet. In fact, it is like life itself. When you stop, take a deep breath and stay in the moment, you start to see and feel.
So what is the history of Passport Pier?
When we look at the history of the Passport Pier, we see that the British had it built by the French in the 1800s. The pier, whose construction started in 1867 and was completed in 1886, was one of the most active points of Izmir, as it is today. The Ottoman Era Passport Office, located on the stones of the pier, inspected the passengers landing on the pier. The other end of the dock was built as Customs Warehouses.
All iron materials here were produced by the famous Eiffel company in Paris.
Özlem A.
