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About Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, is the only metropolis in the world that straddles two continents — Europe and Asia — separated by the narrow Bosphorus Strait. A former capital of three great empires — Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman — Istanbul is a city of breathtaking complexity, where mosques and churches, bazaars and galleries, ancient walls and modern towers coexist in extraordinary harmony.
A Brief History
Founded by Greek colonists as Byzantium around 657 BC, the city was later renamed Constantinople in 330 AD by Emperor Constantine the Great, who made it the capital of the Roman Empire. In 1453, it was conquered by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. Renamed Istanbul in 1930, the city remains the cultural and economic heart of Turkey.
Iconic Landmarks
The Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. Built in 537 AD as a Christian cathedral, it later became a mosque, then a museum, and is now a mosque again. Its massive dome appears to float above the nave, flooding the interior with golden light. The nearby Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, is famous for its six minarets and its stunning interior covered with over 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles. The Topkapi Palace served as the administrative and residential center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years and today houses an extraordinary collection of imperial artifacts.
The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets. Visitors can browse carpets, spices, lanterns, ceramics, gold jewelry, and hand-stitched leather goods in an atmosphere that has barely changed for centuries.
Food and Culture
Istanbul's food scene is as rich and layered as its history. Simit — sesame-crusted bread rings — are sold on every corner. Balık ekmek (fish sandwiches) are a staple along the Galata Bridge. Mezes, kebabs, baklava, and strong Turkish tea are central to daily life. The city's café culture is vibrant, and its nightlife along the Bosphorus is legendary.
Why Visit Istanbul?
Istanbul is a city that overwhelms the senses in the most beautiful way possible. To stand at the Galata Tower at sunset, watching the light turn the Bosphorus to gold while the call to prayer echoes from a hundred minarets, is an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else on Earth.
A Brief History
Founded by Greek colonists as Byzantium around 657 BC, the city was later renamed Constantinople in 330 AD by Emperor Constantine the Great, who made it the capital of the Roman Empire. In 1453, it was conquered by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. Renamed Istanbul in 1930, the city remains the cultural and economic heart of Turkey.
Iconic Landmarks
The Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. Built in 537 AD as a Christian cathedral, it later became a mosque, then a museum, and is now a mosque again. Its massive dome appears to float above the nave, flooding the interior with golden light. The nearby Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, is famous for its six minarets and its stunning interior covered with over 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles. The Topkapi Palace served as the administrative and residential center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years and today houses an extraordinary collection of imperial artifacts.
The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets. Visitors can browse carpets, spices, lanterns, ceramics, gold jewelry, and hand-stitched leather goods in an atmosphere that has barely changed for centuries.
Food and Culture
Istanbul's food scene is as rich and layered as its history. Simit — sesame-crusted bread rings — are sold on every corner. Balık ekmek (fish sandwiches) are a staple along the Galata Bridge. Mezes, kebabs, baklava, and strong Turkish tea are central to daily life. The city's café culture is vibrant, and its nightlife along the Bosphorus is legendary.
Why Visit Istanbul?
Istanbul is a city that overwhelms the senses in the most beautiful way possible. To stand at the Galata Tower at sunset, watching the light turn the Bosphorus to gold while the call to prayer echoes from a hundred minarets, is an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else on Earth.