Asansör is a historic elevator tower in İzmir’s Karataş quarter, built in 1907 to connect the lower streets with the hillside above. The short ride brings you to a terrace with wide views over İzmir Bay and the coastline. Take time to look around the upper streets, where old houses and cafés add to the visit, or stop for a drink or meal at the café and restaurant above. The lift is free to use, and sunset is a good time to see the city from the terrace.
Why Asansör was built
Asansör means “elevator” in Turkish. The tower was built in 1907 in Karataş to make travel between the lower streets and the steep hillside easier. Before the lift, residents had to climb a staircase of 155 steps to reach the upper part of the district.
The project was commissioned by Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, a Jewish banker and trader. The elevator connected Mithatpaşa Street below with Şehit Nihat Bey Street above, carrying people and goods up the slope. It was a practical answer to the height difference between the coastal neighbourhood and the homes on the cliffside.
The tower and its lifts
Two lifts run inside the historic building. The elevator originally worked using water pressure and now runs on electricity. Its purpose remains close to the one it had when it was built: carrying people between the lower and upper parts of Karataş.
The ride is brief, but the tower’s setting makes it part of the visit. At the top, a terrace gives you a view over İzmir and the bay. A café and restaurant are also located above the lift, so you can sit down after looking out across the water.
Dario Moreno Street and the upper streets
The narrow street leading to the tower is known as Dario Moreno Street. Singer Dario Moreno lived there in the 1940s, and the street was later named in his honour. As you explore the area, you’ll find old houses and cafés among the streets above and around the elevator.
For more than the terrace view, take a little time to walk around the upper hillside. Looking back toward the city from different spots gives you changing views of İzmir Bay and the coastline. You can also walk down through the streets before or after taking the lift.
Getting there and planning your visit
The Karataş stop on the Konak Tram is a short walk from Asansör. You can make the tower a brief stop for the ride and the view, or stay longer to explore the surrounding streets and have a drink or meal upstairs. The elevator is free to use, though a short line can form.
Sunset is a popular time for views across the bay. If you visit then, leave time to look around the upper streets rather than heading straight back down after the ride. The cafés and restaurants around the tower give you places to pause, while the walk downhill offers another way to see the neighbourhood.
Perguntas frequentes
Is Asansör free to use?
Yes. The elevator is free to use.
Where is Asansör in İzmir?
It is in the Karataş quarter. The Karataş stop on the Konak Tram is a short walk away.
What can you see from Asansör?
The terrace above the lift looks out over İzmir, İzmir Bay and the coastline.
When is a good time to visit Asansör?
Visit around sunset for views over the city and bay.
