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Decorative view of the City of Smyrna (Izmir), from Chatelain's monumental 7 volume Atlas Historique.

This early 18th-century engraving presents a panoramic view of Smyrna (modern-day İzmir) as seen from the sea, showcasing the bustling port city nestled between mountains and the coastline. The harbor is filled with ships, a testament to Izmir’s status as a significant Mediterranean trading hub during the Ottoman period. The hills surrounding the city are dotted with structures, including fortifications and what appears to be the citadel, adding to the city’s defensible and strategic importance.

The engraving highlights the vibrant maritime activity in Izmir’s port, where a variety of ships, from small boats to large sailing vessels, can be seen either anchored or in transit. This reflects Izmir's role as a center of international commerce, particularly in trade routes connecting Europe, the Levant, and Asia. The city’s architecture, visible on the slopes of the mountains, includes domed structures, likely mosques, as well as dense residential and commercial buildings, suggesting a thriving urban center.

The accompanying French text provides a detailed description of Izmir’s geography, historical landmarks, and key figures associated with the city. It mentions that Izmir was originally founded by Tantalus and later dominated by the Amazons. The city is praised for its natural beauty, with its location at the base of a mountain and proximity to the sea. One significant feature mentioned is the ancient Citadel of Izmir, which was once thought to contain a church built in honor of St. John.

The text also describes several important landmarks, such as the chapel of Saint Polycarp, the early Christian martyr and bishop of Izmir, whose relics were believed to be preserved in the city. Additionally, the Amphitheater and other Roman ruins are noted as reminders of Smyrna's classical heritage. 

By 1500, Izmir had become a critical outpost of the Ottoman Empire, continuing its long legacy as a significant center of commerce dating back to antiquity. The city benefited from its strategic location on the Aegean coast, which made it a key point in maritime trade routes linking the Mediterranean with the Black Sea and further east. Under Ottoman rule, Izmir flourished as a cosmopolitan city, home to a diverse population of Turks, Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Europeans, with the port serving as a central hub for goods including silk, spices, and textiles.

During the 17th century, Izmir’s importance increased further as it became a major center for European trading companies, particularly those from France, the Netherlands, and England. These merchants established permanent trading houses in the city, creating a thriving mercantile community. The city’s bustling port attracted a wide range of goods from the Ottoman hinterlands, Europe, and beyond, making it a cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures and economies.

The text also reflects Izmir’s diverse cultural and religious heritage. In addition to its role as a commercial center, Izmir was also a key location for early Christianity. Saint Polycarp, one of the most prominent early Christian figures, was martyred here in the 2nd century. This Christian heritage remained significant, with churches and chapels dotting the city, though by the 18th century, Ottoman rule predominated.