The Smyrna / İzmir Theater in Light of Recent Archaeological Data

Abstract

The earliest information regarding the Smyrna Theater, located on the slope between Kadifekale and Kemeraltı within the borders of modern-day İzmir, is derived from the notes of travelers and researchers who reported their observations about the building from the 17^th century onwards. It is known that settlement in the theater area began in the 19^th century and continued throughout the 20^th century with the construction of modern residences. Following the conclusion of extensive expropriation efforts by 2014, these modern houses were cleared. Since then, the Smyrna Theater has been one of the primary sectors where excavations are conducted by the Directorate of the Smyrna Ancient City Excavations, alongside the Smyrna Agora. Thanks to the acceleration of excavations in recent years, the theater, a monumental structure holding a significant place in the city’s collective memory, is being revealed. Investigations focused on the skene and cavea have not only yielded results concerning the architectural design and stylistic features of the building but also provided valuable data on the social life of the period through sculptures, coins, ceramics, and epigraphic findings. As part of the recent efforts, supported by the Turkish Historical Society, excavations were conducted in the southern section of the theater. These works focused on the grid squares overlapping the diazoma that separates the ima and media cavea, aiming to remove the fill deposits and uncover the cultural layers in the lower strata.