Elhamra Theater, Movie theater in central İzmir, Turkey
The Elhamra Theater is a movie theater in central İzmir with a greenish-yellow concrete structure, green dome, and marble-framed wooden entrances. The building displays symmetrical composition with Turkish Neoclassical proportions and evenly balanced facades.
The theater was designed in 1926 by architect Tahsin Sermet Bey and was built to generate funding for the İzmir National Library. In 1980, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism undertook major renovation work that transformed the building into its current role as home to İzmir State Opera and Ballet.
The name derives from an Arabic word meaning 'the Red', reflecting its historical importance in İzmir's cultural scene. Today visitors can still observe how the building blends Eastern and Western design elements throughout its architectural features.
The venue is centrally located in İzmir and easily accessible on foot, with good visibility from the city's main streets. Before planning a visit, check what performances are scheduled and which areas are open to visitors.
The theater hosted the premiere of The Jazz Singer in İzmir, introducing sound film technology to audiences for the first time. This historic screening marked a turning point in the city's film history.
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