How Izmir’s Kordon got its wave mosaics: From Brazil’s Copacabana to Türkiye

Izmir’s Kordon is more than just a picturesque waterfront promenade—it holds stories within its very pavement. The black-and-white wave-patterned mosaics lining the walkway carry a fascinating history.

These undulating patterns, resembling ocean waves, were not just an artistic choice but the result of a chance encounter, a love story, and a vision that brought global inspiration to Izmir.

How trip to Brazil brought wave-patterned mosaics to Izmir’s Kordon

The origins of Kordon’s distinctive mosaics trace back to 1958, when Gunseli Basar, a former beauty queen, and wife of then-Izmir Mayor Faruk Tunca, traveled to Brazil.

During her visit to Rio de Janeiro, she admired the wave-patterned pavements of Copacabana Beach. The striking black and white stone mosaics, designed by Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, captured her imagination.

When she returned to Izmir, she could not forget the beauty of those mosaics and shared her thoughts with her husband. Faruk Tunca, intrigued by her idea, took action and brought similar wave-patterned mosaics to Kordon in 1959.

This decision connected the promenade’s design to the rhythm of the Aegean Sea, creating a seamless visual flow between land and water.

Love story that influenced Izmir’s Kordon waterfront transformation

Faruk Tunca’s decision to install the wave mosaics was not just about urban planning—it was also an expression of his admiration for Gunseli Basar.

Their love story was widely known in Izmir.

Basar, crowned Miss Türkiye in 1951, went on to become the first-ever Miss Europe winner on August 20, 1952. She captivated the public with her elegance and intellect. Her sophisticated taste and appreciation for global aesthetics shaped Izmir’s evolving cityscape.

Tunga, elected as mayor in 1957, gained recognition for his youthful energy and charisma.

His marriage to Basar added glamour to his tenure, and the wave-patterned mosaics became one of the most striking reflections of their shared vision.

How wave mosaics expanded across Izmir’s Kordon, where to find them today

By the 1970s, the wave mosaics stretched along the entire Kordon, turning the promenade into a distinctive urban landmark. Residents and tourists enjoyed walking along the patterned pavements, soaking in the sea breeze, while admiring the artistic design beneath their feet.

However, urban developments and modernization projects led to the removal of some sections. Today, the remaining wave mosaics can still be seen between Passport Ferry Terminal and Konak Pier, as well as in front of Alsancak Ferry Terminal.

Although fewer, these mosaics remain an integral part of Izmir’s identity.

For decades, Kordon has been the heart of Izmir’s social life. Generations of residents have walked its length, met loved ones, and experienced the lively atmosphere it offers. The stones underfoot tell a story of culture, romance, and forward-thinking urban design.

Wave mosaics as symbol of Izmir’s connection to sea, global influences

The wave mosaics of Izmir‘s Kordon remain a defining feature of the city’s waterfront, reflecting a specific period of transformation and cultural exchange. Though some sections have been lost over time, the preserved areas have remained a major tourist attraction.

What started as an idea inspired by Gunseli Basar’s admiration for Copacabana evolved into a lasting symbol of Izmir’s identity. More than just an architectural feature, the mosaics are also a tribute to the love story between Basar and Tunca, whose shared vision helped shape the city’s waterfront.

Walking along Kordon today, one can still see how an idea from Brazil left a lasting imprint on Izmir’s landscape and identity.