Gaziemir is a district of İzmir Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is one of the metropolitan districts of Greater İzmir and is situated to the south of central İzmir (Konak) on the road to the İzmir harbour,

İzmir Adnan Menderes International Airport and the export processing industrial park of Aegean Free Zone; which is also home to the fourth space camp in the world, Space Camp Turkey.

Gaziemir – The up-and-coming district of Izmir with future potential

Gaziemir was founded in the 14th century by Aydınoğlu Umur Bey (called Umur Pasha related to Ottoman sources) of the dynasty of the Beylik of Aydın, who had brought and settled Yörük clans from Konya to the region.

The first mention in Ottoman records dates back from 1530 and the settlement was named Seydiköy in honour of a Yörük chief, Seydi Ahmed, whose tomb is still to be seen..

The town's evolution can be traced fairly smoothly through the centuries by means of regular references in Ottoman sources. After the 17th century, in line with the general pace of development in fertile western Anatolian valleys based on olive, figs, raisin and cotton exports and the ensuing population movements from the Aegean Islands, Seydiköy was largely settled by Greeks which came to constitute a large majority as of the second half of the 19th century.

The Greek population was exchanged after the Greek-Turkish War (1919-1922) in the frame of the Exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey, and was replaced by Turkish immigrants from Kavala region as well as from Bulgaria. Seydiköy became a municipality in 1926 and was renamed Gaziemir in 1965 in reference to the original founder, Gazi Umur Bey. In 1992, Gaziemir became a district that also includes the municipality of Sarnıç which was formerly a part of Konak district.

Always a hub of crafts and industry both for İzmir and nationally, Gaziemir today has a highly developed industrial basis, with modern residential areas surrounding production and sales centres. The furniture industry (both home furniture and office furniture) is particularly developed. Companies established within the Aegean Free Zone generally focus on export processing, while the presence of such Turkish or international outlets as Tansaş, Kipa (a Tesco joint-venture) and Metro AG subsidiaries makes Gaziemir one the important retail centres of Izmir.

Training, Teamwork and Technology at Space Camp Turkey

As a space and science education centre, Space Camp Turkey is primarily focused on motivating young people from around the world in pursuing careers in science, math and technology. Through interactive, space-related simulations, both youth and adults also learn about communication, teamwork and leadership in a dynamic, fun-filled environment.

Programs and Simulators

Programs at Space Camp Turkey focus on simulators to give participants the sensations of working and living in space. It takes 8 1/2 minutes to reach space, but years to prepare for a real mission. At Space Camp Turkey, we pack years of mission training into 2-Day, 5-Day and 6-Day  programs.

Unique Facility - Unique Location

Space Camp Turkey is the fourth Space Camp in the world. We are proud to have the only such facility in Turkey, the Middle East, eastern/southern Europe and Asia. It is located in the Aegean Free Zone, a high-tech industrial park in Izmir, operated by ESBAS.

Izmir is a vibrant Mediterranean city on the western coast of Turkey with a population of over 3 million. The camp is 5 minutes from the international airport and 15 minutes from the city center and one hour from world famous attractions.

International Credentials

Space Camp Turkey is recognized as a science institution by the Turkish Ministry of Education and is a member of the Camp Association of Turkey. It is also licensed with the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. Space Camp Turkey is a member of the following school organizations:

NESA - Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools
CEESA - Central and Eastern European Schools Association
ECIS - European Council of International Schools
EARCOS - East Asia Regional Council of Overseas School

Gaziemir is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing districts of Izmir. With its modern infrastructure, strong economy and high quality of life, the district is attracting more and more investors, families and professionals. Thanks to its proximity to Adnan Menderes Airport, excellent transport links and the economic importance of the Aegean Free Trade Zone, Gaziemir is considered one of the most promising districts in the Izmir metropolitan area.

The history of Gaziemir - From Seydiköy to a modern metropolis

The origins of Gaziemir Izmir date back to the 14th century. The district was originally founded as Seydiköy and played an important role in the trade of agricultural products such as olives, figs and cotton. In 1926 it was given its current name Gaziemir in honor of Gazi Umur Bey, an important military leader.

Today, the district has developed from a small commercial center into a modern business location with high-quality housing, innovative companies and first-class transport links.

Economy & infrastructure - Gaziemir as a business center

A significant factor in the rapid development of Gaziemir is the Aegean Free Zone. This special economic zone attracts international companies, start-ups and investors. The companies based there benefit from tax advantages, modern logistics and excellent transport links.

Working in Gaziemir means benefiting from a dynamic economy, a strong industrial zone and a constantly growing real estate industry. The Gaziemir real estate market is booming as more and more people appreciate the high quality of life and proximity to economic centers.

Leisure & culture - Attractions and activities in Gaziemir

Gaziemir offers numerous opportunities for leisure and recreation. Particularly popular are:

Sarnıç Nature Park - A large forest area with hiking trails, picnic areas and recreational zones.
Gaziemir Optimum Shopping Center - One of the largest shopping centers in the Aegean region with over 240 shops, restaurants, a cinema and an ice rink.
Space Camp Turkey - A unique educational institution and the only space training camp in Europe that combines science and adventure for children and adults.
Cultural facilities - Museums, theaters and event halls provide a varied range of leisure activities.

Education & Innovation - Learning and research in Gaziemir

Thanks to modern schools, universities and educational institutions, education in Gaziemir is at a high level. Space Camp Turkey in particular attracts many international students and researchers every year who are involved in technology and space travel.

For families with children, there are numerous public and private schools that guarantee a first-class education. The growing innovation and research landscape in Gaziemir makes the district particularly attractive for young talents and scientists.

Mobility & transport - Perfect connections in all directions

Gaziemir scores with excellent transport connections:
Public transport Gaziemir - Direct connection to the city center of Izmir via bus and tram lines.
Airport proximity - Adnan Menderes Airport can be reached in a few minutes, ideal for business travelers and tourists.
Motorway connection - Gaziemir is strategically located on important traffic axes and is easily accessible by car.
This excellent infrastructure makes Gaziemir a popular residential and business location for commuters and companies.

Gaziemir - The district with a future

Gaziemir combines historical roots, economic dynamism and modern quality of life. With continuous investments in business, education and housing, the district is growing rapidly and is becoming one of the most sought-after districts in Izmir.

Whether for work, education or leisure, Gaziemir offers the best conditions for a promising future!

Please read as well:

Holy City - the Ancient Hierapolis

Goslar - old town with narrow streets and half-timbered houses