WHAT IS AN IZMIR BOAT?
An Izmir boat is a distinctive type of vessel that was named after Izmir, one of the most important port cities in the Mediterranean, until the early 1900s. Unfortunately, over time, the number of these boats, which are characteristic of Izmir, diminished and eventually disappeared. Historical photographs reveal that during a specific period, these slim and elegant Izmir boats filled the coasts of Izmir Bay.
WHY IS THE IZMIR BOAT IMPORTANT?
Izmir has been a significant port city for centuries, and the loss of the Izmir boat represents a considerable gap in the city's identity. This unique type of vessel is part of the cultural heritage of the region, making its disappearance noteworthy.
WHAT IS THE IZMIR BOATS PROJECT?
The Izmir Boats Project aims to revive this important aspect of the city’s memory, with the goal of having these boats sail again in Izmir Bay. To achieve this, new boats have been constructed based on drawings from 1880. During this process, some defects and deficiencies in the original design were identified. The Izmir Branch Office of the Chamber of Marine Architects and Marine Engineers contributed by implementing necessary changes using modern methods. Stability calculations were then performed using computer modeling of the original drawings. As a result, a new Izmir boat was created that retains all of the original characteristics. The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality demonstrated its commitment to preserving urban identity by supporting this project. A total of fourteen boats have been built as part of the Izmir Boats Project, and these boats are currently used for sailing and rowing exercises.
Project Partners
• İzmir Metropolitan Municipality • Ahmet Piriştina İzmir City Archive and Museum • Chamber of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers-İzmir Branch • İstanbul Naval Museum
