On a hillside near Izmir, Turkey, a cave long known to locals as the spot where the ancient poet Homer composed “The Odyssey” draws renewed attention amid growing interest sparked by a recent film adaptation. The site, overlooking olive-covered slopes in the Bornova district, is entwined with centuries of local tradition identifying it as “Homer’s Valley.”

Turkish researcher Altan Altin, who has authored a book on the subject, emphasizes the historical connection between Homer and this region. “This place was always called Homer’s Valley by the locals,” Altin said, noting that travelers worldwide have visited the cave to see where the epic poems were allegedly created. Though the exact location of Homer’s work remains uncertain, scholars and historians have linked the poet to the ancient city of Smyrna, now part of modern Izmir.

The association between Homer and the Izmir region dates back to at least the 2nd century, as noted by Greek chronicler Pausanias, who wrote about the river Meles near Smyrna and a nearby grotto believed to be the poet’s composition site. This longstanding tradition continues to fuel modern debates about Homer’s origins, which remain unresolved but focus heavily on Ionia, the ancient Greek region encompassing Smyrna and the nearby island of Chios.

Altin points to a 3rd-century BC frieze depicting Homer’s deification as evidence supporting the Bornova cave’s identity, highlighting remarkable detail matching the cave’s features. Archaeological findings, including coins bearing Homer’s likeness uncovered in the area, further suggest that the ancient inhabitants of Smyrna regarded Homer as a local figure. Archaeologist Mehmet Akif Erdem noted that the dialects used in Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey” align with those prevalent in Ionia, reinforcing the region’s claim.

Homer’s presence is visible throughout Bornova, from a bust at the nearby Neolithic site of Yesilova Hüyük—one of Izmir’s oldest settlements—to a local park featuring a statue of the Trojan War hero Hector. The municipality is actively pursuing efforts to refurbish the cave and enhance its accessibility as a tourist destination amid heightened interest.

Bornova Mayor Omer Eski stressed the cultural significance of Homer’s legacy. “Preserving Homer’s legacy is a duty we owe to humanity. He is one of the founding fathers of literature,” Eski said, describing the poet’s stories as deeply rooted in the land. However, the mayor’s stance has not been unanimously embraced. In 2024, officials from the ruling AKP party proposed renaming Homer’s Valley after a Turkish military figure, arguing against the use of a Greek name. Eski rejected the proposal, emphasizing that renaming would damage Bornova’s cultural heritage and hinder efforts to promote Homer internationally.

Local residents and cultural figures express pride in Homer’s connection to their region. Mustafa Kocyigit, owner of a bookstore in Izmir, linked increased interest in Homer’s work with the recent film release, which has boosted sales of “The Odyssey.” Teacher Safak Tosun echoed this sentiment, expressing honor at sharing a homeland with the legendary poet.

Researcher Altin underscored Homer’s deep ties to Anatolia as reflected in the epics. “When you dive into the Iliad, you really understand that Homer was an Anatolian. You find anecdotes and cultural references that are completely unknown elsewhere,” he said, while cautioning against viewing Homer’s origins through nationalistic lenses. “Homer is 2,800 years old, while the Turkish-Greek border is only a century old. Homer is Greek. Homer is Anatolian. None of us is older than he is, not even our countries.”