Istanbul
Istanbul (Turkish: İstanbul) is the largest city in Turkey and serves as its cultural, economic, and historic center. It is a transcontinental city, spanning both Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait. With a population of more than 15 million residents, it is the most populous city in Turkey and one of the largest urban centers in the world.
History
The history of Istanbul stretches back thousands of years. Originally known as Byzantium, the city was founded by Greek settlers in the 7th century BC. In 330 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great made it the capital of the Roman Empire under the name Constantinople. It remained the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a millennium and later became the capital of the Ottoman Empire after its conquest in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II. Under Ottoman rule, the city flourished as a political, cultural, and commercial hub.
Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul remained the country’s largest and most important city.
Geography
Istanbul uniquely straddles two continents: Europe and Asia. The Bosporus Strait divides the city into its European and Asian sides, while the Golden Horn separates the historic peninsula from the rest of the European side. Its strategic location has made it a key point for trade and culture between East and West for centuries.
Administration
Istanbul is a metropolitan municipality within Istanbul Province. It is divided into 39 districts, each with its own local government. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality oversees the city’s administration, infrastructure, and urban development.
Economy
Istanbul is Turkey’s financial and economic powerhouse. It is home to the Borsa İstanbul stock exchange, numerous multinational corporations, and a thriving tourism industry. The city’s economy is diversified, spanning finance, commerce, transportation, media, technology, and manufacturing. The Port of Istanbul and the city’s two international airports make it a major global transportation hub.
Culture
As a historic crossroads of civilizations, Istanbul is rich in cultural heritage. The city is home to landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. It is also a center for contemporary art, music, theater, and cinema. UNESCO designated the Historic Areas of Istanbul as a World Heritage Site in 1985.
Education
Istanbul hosts many of Turkey’s leading universities, including Boğaziçi University, Istanbul University, Koç University, and Sabancı University. The city is also home to a wide range of schools, academies, and research centers.
Transportation
Istanbul is a major international transportation hub. The city is served by Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the Asian side. Its extensive public transport network includes metro lines, buses, trams, funiculars, ferries, and commuter railways. The Marmaray tunnel under the Bosporus connects the European and Asian rail systems.
Sports
Istanbul has a vibrant sports culture, particularly in football. The city is home to three of Turkey’s largest clubs: Galatasaray S.K., Fenerbahçe S.K., and Beşiktaş J.K.. The city has hosted numerous international sporting events, including the UEFA Champions League Final and Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix.