The first settlement in Izmir, which is described by the history writer, Plinius as the light of Asia dates back to 3000 B.C. Lelegians lived in Bayrakly in 2000 B.C. Having come from Ephesus in the 12th century the Ionians settled around the modern district of Halkapynar to the south of Bayrakly and founded a town called Navlakhon. The city was known as Symrna in those times.Becoming an important trade colony, Izmir ran over its walls due to its increasing population.