Bornova Municipality to develop Homeric Caves as tourism hub

Bornova Municipality has launched a project to transform the Homeric Caves in Izmir into an international cultural tourism destination. The caves are believed to be the residence of Homer, the legendary author of the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Mayor Ömer Eşki announced that the municipality will begin comprehensive restoration and landscaping works to reveal the site's potential. The initial phase of the roadmap includes road construction to improve accessibility and aesthetic environmental arrangements that respect the historical texture of the area.

Local historical research and findings, including 19th-century travel notes and reliefs, support the connection between Homer and the Bornova region. Specifically, the historical title of Homer as ‘Son of Meles’ is linked to the Meles River, which flows near the caves.