Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and a major cultural and economic center. It lies in northwestern Turkey and straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosporus, with a historic role as a bridge between continents and between East and West.

Originally founded as Byzantium, the city was renamed Constantinople and served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, it remained the empire’s capital and later became a key urban and commercial center of the Turkish Republic. Today it is Turkey’s most populous city.

Notable landmarks reflect its long history, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. The historic areas were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, recognizing their architectural and cultural significance.

Istanbul functions as a major transportation and logistics hub, with ferries, bridges, and a comprehensive public transit network connecting its European and Asian sides. The city is served by international airports and a growing rail and road infrastructure that supports tourism and commerce.

Demographically, Istanbul hosts a diverse population and a long-standing tradition of cultural plurality, with Turkish as the predominant language and communities historically including Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Kurds. The city is known for its cuisine, arts, and higher education institutions.