At the end of January, I'll have a break from work in Syria. Maximizing the enjoyment of my break means minimizing my exposure to tourists/maximizing just blending into a local scene. I don't care about "sights", museums, fine dining, or nightlife. Practical shopping - e.g., restocking clothing I can't get in Syria or on earlier African assignments - would be useful.

Basic research (limited by government firewalls here) suggests Ankara is going to be more "my thing", though much colder and still wet.
Izmir? Cruise ships that time of year? I assume "low season" for tourists.
Any comments on comparative atmosphere would be appreciated. I'm trying to make a change from my usual choices among four available (Kurdistan and Gaziantep/Nizip). I do speak rudimentary Turkish and, of course, Arabic.

Thank you.