Smyrna Collection

HMS Iron Duke and the Great Fire of Smyrna, 1922
A vivid photograph of the burning of Smyrna after its capture by the Turks, with HMS Iron Duke, the flagship of the Mediterranean fleet, in the foreground. Date: 1922

Izmir, Turkey - Camel brand figs
Camel brand Figs from Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey. An advertising card featuring two laden camels from a camel train led by a driver riding a mule Date: circa 1901

Turkey / Izmir / Street / C19
A man leads his donkey and camels along a narrow street in Izmir. Date: 19th century

Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey - Large fig factory
The scale of the fig industry at Izmir is demonstrated in this postcard showing a huge warehouse with a multitude of baskets and workers

Turkey / Smyrna / Izmir 1890
Izmir: boats moored along the quayside

Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey
Spectacular panoramic fold-out postcard of Smyrna (Izmir), Turkey

Coin Depicting the Goddess Tyche, 2nd-1st century BCE. Creator: Unknown
Coin Depicting the Goddess Tyche, 2nd-1st century BCE

Promotional card for the Oriental Carpet Manufacturers Ltd - Turkish Company with head office at Smyrna (Izmir), Turkey and branches in London, Paris, Constantinople (Istanbul), New York, Cairo

Chapel of Saint Polycarp on Mount Pagos, Izmir
Chapel to the martyrdom of (and burial place of) St. Polycarp (Bishop of Smyrna) situated on Mount Pagos (Kadifekale) close to Izmir (Smyrna) Turkey. Date: circa 1920s

Izmir (Smyrna) - Torbali
A rather chaotic scene at the Horse Racing course at Torbali close to Izmir (Smyrna)

Fig sorting - Djanik Elmassian Fig Factory, Izmir, Turkey
Fig sorting at the Djanik Elmassian Fig Factory and depot at Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey. A very traditional scene in the main fig-producing region in Turkey. Date: circa 1910s

Turkish Zeibek warriors - Izmir, Turkey. Zeibeks or sometimes Zeybeks were irregular militia and guerilla fighters living in the Aegean Region of the Ottoman Empire. Date: 1901

Izmir (Smyrna) - Greek Porter / attendant
A Greek Porter/attendant from Smyrna (modern Izmir), Turkey in traditional costume

Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey - Carpet Factory (Usak)
Armenian or Greek women at work at a carpet factory at Usak, Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey. They sit on the carpet they are slowly producing

Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey - Making Raisins
Drying grapes to make raisins for export at Izmir (Smyrna)

Advertising card for Izmir (Smyrna) Figs
A delightful advertising card for Djanik Elmassians Diana Brand Genuine Smyrna Figs from Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey - showing the Roman Aqueduct

View of Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey
A view of the city of Izmir (Smyrna) on the western coast of Turkey

Izmir, Turkey
A panoramic view looking over the rooftops of Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey from the ruined citadel

Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey - General View
General View of Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey

POLYCARP Bishop of Smyrna (Izmir), martyr

Myrrrha, transformed into a tree, gives birth to Adonis - Myrrrha gives birth to Adonis
FLO4607789 Myrrrha, transformed into a tree, gives birth to Adonis - Myrrrha gives birth to Adonis and is metamorphosed into a myrrh tree. Copperplate engraving by W

View of Smyrna, ?zmir, ?zmir Province, Turkey. French 19th century, illustration
5304669 View of Smyrna, ?zmir, ?zmir Province, Turkey. French 19th century, illustration; (add.info.: View of Smyrna, ?zmir, ?zmir Province, Turkey)

View of the city of Smyrna (c19th) (engraving)
AIS5394066 View of the city of Smyrna (c19th) (engraving); Private Collection; © Lorio / Iberfoto.

Old topographic map of Asia Minor (Turkey), lithograph, published 1897
Old topographic map of Asia Minor (Turkey). Lithograph, published 1897

White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) with a gecko in its beak, Negev, Israel

Smyrna, Asia

The Quayside - Izmir, Turkey. Date: circa 1904

HMS Usk - a Yarrow-type River-Class destroyer
Royal Navy - HMS Usk, a Yarrow-type River-Class destroyer ordered under the 1901 - 1902 Naval Estimates and named after the River Usk in Wales flowing through Newport

Coin Depicting the Goddess Kybele, 2nd century BCE. Creator: Unknown
Coin Depicting the Goddess Kybele, 2nd century BCE

Coin Depicting the Goddess Kybele or Tyche, 2nd-1st century BCE. Creator: Unknown
Coin Depicting the Goddess Kybele or Tyche, 2nd-1st century BCE

Coin Depicting the Goddess Kybele, 2nd-1st century BCE. Creator: Unknown
Coin Depicting the Goddess Kybele, 2nd-1st century BCE

Coin Depicting the God Apollo, (75-50 BC ?). Creator: Unknown
Coin Depicting the God Apollo, (75-50 BC ?)

Coin Depicting the Amazon Smyrna, 1st-2nd century. Creator: Unknown
Coin Depicting the Amazon Smyrna, 1st-2nd century

Coin Depicting the Amazon Smyrna, 175-200. Creator: Unknown
Coin Depicting the Amazon Smyrna, 175-200. Obverse: Smyrna holding a bipennis (double axe) over her shoulder. Reverse: ships prow. Minted in Smyrna, Ionia (modern Izmir, Turkey)

The Castle and Port of Smyrna (engraving)
3654317 The Castle and Port of Smyrna (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Castle and Port of Smyrna)

Mussulman Refugees from Roumania Embarking at Constantinople for Smyrna (engraving)
3637934 Mussulman Refugees from Roumania Embarking at Constantinople for Smyrna (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Bridge of Caravans at Smyrna (engraving)
2772652 The Bridge of Caravans at Smyrna (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Bridge of Caravans at Smyrna)

Polycarp before the Pro-Consul (engraving)
2781864 Polycarp before the Pro-Consul (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Polycarp before the Pro-Consul)

The Sanitarium at Smyrna (engraving)
2785609 The Sanitarium at Smyrna (engraving) by Portch, Julian (active c. 1855); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Sanitarium at Smyrna)

Waterfront in Smyrna, Izmir, Turkey, c. 1890
Waterfront in Smyrna, Izmir, Turkey, c.1890

1880s - view of the Harbour at Smyrna (Izmir) Turkey

Panoramic View of Gallipoli (engraving)
1619042 Panoramic View of Gallipoli (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Panoramic View of Gallipoli)

Copy of the great altar of Zeus and Athena, from Pergamon, c
XIR287743 Copy of the great altar of Zeus and Athena, from Pergamon, c.180-160BC (plaster cast from marble) by Greek, (2nd century BC); Louvre, Paris

Alascheir Railway Asia Minor constructed by Samuel Bayliss
Photograph from an original album, Alascheir Railway Asia Minor constructed by Samuel Bayliss, CE, belonging and inscribed to Charles Goeschler, Smyrna Cassaba Railway by Bayliss

Dutch shipping off the Bay of Smyrna with a state barge (oil on canvas)
620093 Dutch shipping off the Bay of Smyrna with a state barge (oil on canvas) by Storck, Abraham (1644-1708); 59.7x80.7 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; Dutch, out of copyright

White-throated kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis (Smyrna kingfisher, Alcedo smyrnensis). Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder

The Hospital at Smyrna (engraving)
2785608 The Hospital at Smyrna (engraving) by Portch, Julian (active c. 1855); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Hospital at Smyrna)

Commencement of the Smyrna and Aidin Railway (engraving)
1609174 Commencement of the Smyrna and Aidin Railway (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Commencement of the Smyrna and Aidin Railway)

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Smyrna: A Tapestry of History, Culture, and Figs" Step into the enchanting city of Smyrna, now known as Izmir in Turkey. This captivating destination is steeped in history and boasts a rich tapestry of cultural wonders. One notable chapter in Smyrna's past is the tragic event that unfolded in 1922 when HMS Iron Duke arrived to assist during the Great Fire of Smyrna. The devastating blaze left an indelible mark on this resilient city. Speaking of figs, Izmir has long been associated with its delectable Camel brand figs. These succulent treats have become synonymous with the region's agricultural prowess and are a true delight for food enthusiasts. As you stroll through the streets of C19 Izmir, you'll be transported back in time. The charming architecture reflects a bygone era and offers glimpses into daily life during those years, also home to a large fig factory that played a significant role in shaping the local economy. Its presence served as a testament to the importance placed on agriculture within this vibrant community. Traveling further back in time, we find ourselves amidst the bustling streets of 1890 Smyrna. The city thrived as merchants traded goods from all corners of the world, making it an epicenter for commerce and cultural exchange. The Oriental Carpet Manufacturers Ltd promoted their exquisite creations through beautiful promotional cards that showcased both craftsmanship and artistry - truly capturing Smyrna's artistic spirit. For those seeking spiritual solace or architectural marvels, don't miss out on visiting the Chapel of Saint Polycarp atop Mount Pagos. This sacred site stands as a testament to faith and offers breathtaking views over Izmir. Venturing beyond central Smyrna will lead you to Torbali - an area renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. Explore its hidden gems while immersing yourself in local traditions passed down through generations.