To facilitate access to his shop in Karataş, Izmir merchant Nesim Levi brought in engineers from Germany, covering all expenses, and built the historic Elevator. Discover the great love for Izmir held by Levi’s grandson, the renowned author Marc Levy (author of “I Wish It Were Real”), who left Izmir after this charitable act.
🌉 IZMIR HISTORY AND PHILANTHROPOLOGY: THE STORY OF NESIM LEVİ AND THE HISTORICAL ELEVATOR
- Nesim Levi (Bayraklı), a merchant living in Karataş, Izmir, in the late 19th century, saw how difficult it was to access his shop and the surrounding homes. To solve this problem, he took a charitable step: Covering all expenses himself, he brought engineers from Germany and built the structure known as the Historical Elevator.
🏗️ A Steam-Powered Helping Hand
Completed in 1907, this magnificent structure was powered by two steam-powered engines. The elevator easily bridged the 58-meter elevation difference between Mithatpaşa Street and Halil Rıfat Paşa Street.
Nesim Levi did not charge the public for this important service. For many years, the elevator served all the people of İzmir free of charge. However, after the Great İzmir Fire, Nesim Levi, like many Levantines, was forced to leave İzmir and settle in France.
✍️ Grandson Marc Levy: The Famous Writer Who Loved Izmir
Nesim Levi’s legacy lives on through his grandson Marc Levy. Internationally recognized as the author of “If Only It Were True,” Marc Levy is a true lover of Izmir. His book was adapted into a film in 2005 under the title “Just Like Heaven.”
Marc Levy visits Izmir, his grandfather’s hometown, at every opportunity and proudly proclaims his devotion to the city. Most recently, he came to Izmir to support its Expo 2020 candidacy and strengthened this historical bond by taking part in many symposiums.
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