Asansör, Historical elevator and building in Konak, Turkey
Asansör is an elevator and building in Konak that rises 52 meters above street level, connecting Mithatpaşa Street with Halilfıratpaşa Street through two passenger cabins. An upper-level restaurant offers views across Izmir and the Aegean Sea.
Built in 1907 by Jewish banker Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, it replaced 155 steps with a water-powered mechanism. The system was converted to electric power in 1985.
The lower entrance sits on Dario Moreno Street, named after a Turkish Jewish musician, with a statue honoring his contributions to local arts. This location reflects the city's diverse past and its connection to different communities.
It functions daily as public transportation and moves people between two street levels quickly. Capacity is limited in the cabins, so wait times may occur during busy periods.
Traditional Turkish music plays inside the elevator cabins during the ascent. This audio detail creates a bridge between old and modern transportation methods.
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