WHERE DOES THE NAME OF BALCOVA COME?

The name of the village, which was used as Ayesefit in ancient times, was changed to Balchik Havi because of the fact that a large part of the village land was balch, and then the Balchik Ova, which was said to be said, merged and took its current name Balcova.

GEOGRAPHY:

District Location:

Located within the boundaries of the Metropolitan Municipality, our district is adjacent to Konak, Karabağlar and Narlıdere districts. The area is 29.000 decares. (Approx. 29 Km2)  . No commercial life in the district consists of small and medium-sized businesses and large shopping centers.

Climate:

The Mediterranean climate prevails in the region.

Earth Shapes:

In the soil formation in and around Balçova, geo- geomorphology has produced different soil groups, which are very different in terms of the main material properties and time, physical and chemical properties. They consist of Zonal and Azonal soil groups. Zonal soils, “Red Mediterranean Soils”, this soil formed under the influence of Mediterranean climatic conditions can be found at the foot of Teleferik Mountain. This soil is very poor in terms of fertility in terms of medium and lime. Azanol soils (Alluvial soils) are common in the plain that stretches as a narrow strip between the Balçova settlement and the coast. It is sandy, national and clayey. Colluvial soils also developed on the skirts between the plain surface and the mountainous section rising in the south.

Rivers / Lakes:

Down the slopes, irregular regime 5 pieces; Yahya Creek and Sarıpınar Creek combine with Hacı Ahmet Creek and Molla Kuyu Creek and Ilıca Creek reach the sea in İnciralt. Cengiz Saran Dam and lake, which was established in Çıtak Location of Ilıca Creek, is of great importance in terms of drinking-using and agricultural irrigation. The district has a coastline exceeding 6 Kilometers.

Flora:

Plant communities formed according to climatic conditions and in equilibrium in natural environment are mainly Mediterranean plant communities. (Klimakse plant communities). Maquis on the northern slopes of Çatalkaya and on the slopes of Mount Teke; garig species, mostly composed of short bushes, have become stable. The surrounding forests are quite few.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STRUCTURE:

At the beginning of the Social Facilities that can be used by the district and İzmir people are Thermal Facilities, Cable Car Works ( teleferik )  which are used as picnic and sightseeing areas and İnciraltı Urban Forest. Business and shopping centers on Mithatpaşa Street also revive the social and economic life in the district.

Fishing is also available on the coastline which exceeds 6 km.

HISTORY OF BALCOVA:

There is not enough information about the history of the district from ancient times. However, it is thought that it shares the same date with Izmir. Based on this, it is possible that colonists settled here during the Ionian migration in 1200 BC and merged with the local people. It is known that there were settlements here during the Persian, Roman and Byzantine periods. It is written in Homer's Epic of Iliada that Agamemnon and Menelaos, who participated in the Trojan War, healed the wounded soldiers in the healing waters. Later in Narlıdere, the people who lived by the sea and lived by fishing migrated to Balçova to escape the attacks of the pirates. During the Roman period, facilities and baths were built on an area of 4 km2 to take advantage of the thermal springs where Agamemnon stayed during the Trojan War. The foundation ruins, water well and a cellar have also survived.

TOURISM IN BALCOVA:

There are no historical monuments in the district, the Thermal Facilities and Cable Car Facility, forested areas, the reservoir and Inciralti Youth Park, the coastal and Cakal Cape Dalyan are the natural beauties of the district.

The picnic area in the forest under the cable car facilities has been turned into a modern facility and opened for service. In the district; There are alternative walking routes such as Monastery walk way, Dam way, İnciraltı walk way, Thermal hotel walk way.

Balçova - Cable Car ( Teleferik ) :

It is a picnic area where the people of İzmir can reach Balçova at any time of the day by means of municipal buses that make frequent flights. The trip on the hill takes you to the facilities at the end of the journey, which takes three minutes and is accompanied by an exquisite view of Izmir. If you wish, you can shop at the convenience store and benefit from the pişir self-catering ”section, and you can also dine in restaurants. It has a pleasant environment where you can have a picnic with your family in the fresh air, resting facilities overlooking the view of Izmir.

     


TOURISM STATISTCS:

The Number of Certificated Accommodation Facilities by Ministry of Culture and Tourism:

The List of Tourism Operation Certificated Facilities in the District

The List Of Investment Certificated Facilities

BALÇOVA DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY:

Adress: Eğitim Mahallesi Dumlupınar Sokak No:1 K:4 Balçova,     Tel: 0(232) 278 55 63

Statistics of Books and Readers (First 6 Months of 2023)