Our worldwide writer from Urla, Necati Cumalı, who was only five years old when Atatürk came to Urla, describes this happy day as follows:
“At last the day has come, the houses are decorated with flags. It was the year 1926. I was five years old. I don't remember if it was during the long, warm autumn months of Urla or the early spring, I just remember a clear sunny day…
I reached the Republic Area with small steps. Urla people, men and women, surrounded the area. I mingled with the feet of those who were lined up on the sidewalk against the Izmir entrance of the area. The eyes of the men were fixed on the entrance of Izmir.
'Then, amid applause, livelihoods, and tears, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataurk appeared. Somehow, I broke away from the feet of those mountain-like men standing above my head. I ran across the field. I opened my arms and rushed towards Atatürk. While greeting the people, Mustafa Kemal Pasha stopped the guards with his hand holding his hat on his chest, "Let go," he said. He asked my name and whose son I was. My dialect was broken. It was a Rumelian dialect. He smiled as he listened to my response. He stroked my hair. He asked if they knew my father; to the people of Urla who welcomed him. They recognized. He ordered them to take me to my house. On the way home, Bekir Brother was proud to carry me in his arms. I was the boy who greeted Atatürk at the entrance of Urla.`
Live Like a Local
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
Here are some tips to find the secret gems of Urla!
Corbaci Aydin Usta - Soup House : In Malgaca Old City Square, there is a small soup house. They serve meat, offal and lentil soup from early morning till mid day. Local people prefer soup as a morning dish, especially in cold winter days. Aydin Usta is one of the best soup chefs in this region.
Kuzu Doner : Doner is a sliced meet roasted on a large vertical spit. It is the most common Turkish fast food and you can find Urla's best doner in Kuzu Doner. You can have it wrapped in taco (lavas) or on a plate with yoghurt and tomato-butter dressing (Iskender Kebap)
Begendik Abi - Home Cooking Restaurant: In Malgaca Old Square, you can have lunch in one of the best home cooking restaurants in Izmir. We recommend fresh local greens and Aegean recipes there.
Koprubasi Bakery: Just across the town hall, there is an old traditional bakery named Koprubasi. You can buy warm bread cooked in a wood oven.The smell of smoked bread would make feel ready for breakfast immediately. Please remember that eating 'gevrek'-a baked doughnut like crispy covered in sesame seeds pastry -is a very delicious alternative versus your baked bread too.
Koftehane- Meatball House: Nearby the Art Street, there is an old teahouse on the street. They also serve home made meatballs. These square meals have rice and salad as a side dish. if you phone them, their delivery service might satisfy your taste buds immediately too. In Turkey meatball's best friend is Ayran- a diluted beverage made by yoghurt- don't miss it!
Neco's Place Quick Fish Restaurant: Nearby the Urla bee guest house- there is a small fish restaurant run by a female chef. You can have fried sardine with salad there. Cheap and quick!
Kekliktepe Soap Shop: In Malgaca old square, there is a natural soup and olive oil shop if you want to find different types of pure natural soaps there. highly recommended!
THESE ARE THE LOCAL GEMS WHICH YOU CAN`T FIND ON INSTAGRAM LISTS :)