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Izmir

Horse drawn tramway

The horse drawn tram started to operate in Izmir around 1890. This tramway was running along the quay built a few years before. This tramway operated until is was converted to electric traction around 1927

3 lines were operated:

  • Konak - Pointe / Alsancak
  • Konak Göztepe
  • Alsancak Halkapınar

A line was also running in Karşıyaka

The lines were single track, standard gauge, with passing loops to allow crossings of opposite running cars.

Open cars were used in summer times, and closed ones in winter.

The track on the quay was built to railway specification: standard gauge and suitable for steam engines. It was used to serve a freight shed the ORC use to have next to the custom office. This shed was served by two tracks: one running inside it, one running next to it which could also be used to run loco around. The track on the quay in the port area was single and used by the tram. Therefore it could not be used to park freight cars to load / unload ships. There is at least one picture showing a freight trains running on the quay track. There is also a picture of the junction linking the tram to the ORC tracks in Alsancak. Finally, there are pictures of a steam loco in front the freight shed.

izmir douane 1900s

The tram line near Gümük (Custom house) around 1900. Collection JP Charrey.

izmir leports

The most classic view of Izmir quay and the tram line. The passing siding can be seen. Collection JP Charrey

izmir lesquais 1905s

Another view of quay and the tram line. Collection JP Charrey

Syrme-leport

A lovely colored engraving. was the car really blue? Collection JP Charrey.

Electric tramway

The electric tramway was operated by a Belgian company: Société Générale de Tramways, de Transports et d'Electricité à Smyrne s.a., then Electricité et Tramways de Smyrne s.a. This company was the subsidiary of a Belgium transport group: Compagnie mutuelle de tramways.

The last electric tram was decommissioned in the early 1960s.

izmir ataturk meydani

An electric tram running around the Clock Tower in Izmir

izmir tramway

Another view of the tram and its trailer.

Reference