Homer's connection to Izmir is discussed with ancient sources and archaeological findings

The cinematic film 'The Odyssey', adapted by the famous director Christopher Nolan from Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, has brought the famous poet back into the spotlight. Homer, who is identified with the epics of the Iliad and the Odyssey and is believed to have lived in the 8th century BC, is said to have been from Smyrna (the ancient name of Izmir) in the narratives of ancient writers Herodotus, Strabo, and Pausanias. The fact that Homer was also referred to as Melesigenes stands out as one of the important elements associated with the Meles Stream in Izmir. It is stated that the name Melesigenes, meaning 'son of Meles' and 'born of Meles,' is included in narratives regarding Homer's connection to Izmir. The Ionian and Aeolian dialects used by the great poet in the epics of the Iliad and the Odyssey are also associated with the geography where Bayraklı Smyrna was located. Among the elements revealing Homer's connection with Izmir are the depictions on Smyrna coins and the statue found in the Klaros Sanctuary in Menderes district of Izmir. Ege University Faculty of Letters, Department of Archaeology Faculty Member and Smyrna Tumulus Excavation Head Prof. Dr. Aylin Ümit Erdem stated that the debate about Homer's origin has been ongoing for centuries. Erdem, stating that Homer is accepted to have lived in the 8th century BC, noted that at the same period, the settlement in Smyrna was located in Bayraklı Tumulus. Erdem said, 'From the 5th century BC onwards, many ancient writers, especially Herodotus and Strabo, claim that Homer was from Smyrna.' Erdem also stated that the dialects used in Homer's works are among the elements strengthening the connection with Izmir, noting that Ionian and Aeolian dialects are seen together in the epics of the Iliad and the Odyssey, and that Bayraklı is located on the border of these two cultures, saying, 'When we look at the location of Bayraklı, it is located exactly on the border of Aeolian and Ionian cultures. In fact, it is considered an Aeolian city as its first establishment. Later, it became part of the 12 Ionian cities.' Erdem pointed out that there is approximately 400 years between the period Homer lived and the Trojan War he narrated, therefore, questions such as 'whether the epics belonged to a single person or whether the oral tradition passed down from generation to generation was compiled by different poets' are also debated.