General information about Istanbul – Getting to Know Istanbul in a nutshell
Augusta, Antonina, Nova Roma, Byzantion, Byzantium, Constantinople and finally Istanbul… These exciting names reminds the mysterious and enchanting past of the city. Istanbul can be considered as the combination of the old and modern city, as well as Islamic and Mediterranean mixture of cultures in a captivating atmosphere. There are only few cities in the world that can be so delightful to experience and enjoy as Istanbul.
A quick look at Istanbul’s features
more than 8,500 years of history,
capital of 3 glorious empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires,
a magical composition of two continents, two Worlds, the East and the West,
Islamic and Mediterranean mixture of cultures in a captivating atmosphere,
population of more than 15 million,
one of world’s main air traffic hubs with 2 international airports,
5th most visited city in the world,
2010 European Capital of Culture,
2012 European Capital of Sport,
one of world’s leading congress destination,
connecting 2 continents; Europe and Asia,
more than 75 museums,
more than 100 lively shopping malls, and 4 historic bazaars,
5 imperial palaces, and many summer palaces, pavilions and mansions,
huge transportation network of metro, subway, tram, buses, ferries, sea-buses, etc,
4 seasons throughout the year.
Istanbul – a welcoming city
Istanbul is a magical composition of two continents. And especially the Bosphorus, Istanbul Strait will cheer up your hearts. Aside from being the largest and most popular city of Turkey, Istanbul is also the biggest cultural and financial center of Turkey. Istanbul is considered to be the bridge that links Asia with Europe from a cultural and geographical standpoint.
Istanbul is located partly in Asia and the other part in Europe. Its geographical position as well as its rich history are responsible for a fascinating melting pot of cultures. Tourists are flocking to experience this magical city full of contrasts for themselves, making it the 5th most popular tourist destination in the world.
Istanbul offers an unforgettable experience for its travelers, with its colorful daily city life and dynamic nightlife. The beautiful silhouette of the city combines historical sites and monuments such as Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches, Venetian towers, Ottoman palaces from the Byzantine, Ottoman and Turkish periods.
And the skyline covers monumental minarets with skyscrapers and plazas. And especially the Historical Peninsula and the Bosphorus will make you deeply fall in love with the city.
Istanbul is also one of the most lively metropolises in the world (having more than 15 million residents) that offers variety of intercontinental events, international film, music and theater festivals, international biennials, and more than 80 museums and many art galleries showcase all the culture, arts and history; including painting, sculpture, photography and more.
As for eating out and gastronomy, it means that you are one step away from tasting the delicious meals of the Turkish cuisine, from spicy and hot Anatolian and Aegean dishes freshly cooked with olive oil. Istanbul offers wide range of Turkish cuisine at the variety of well established, good and luxury Istanbul restaurants.
As for shopping, the variety of the traditional and modern products offered at the Ottoman’s originated historical bazaars and modern shopping malls, makes the city an attraction center for shopping lovers.
The world famous Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) is one of the greatest historical malls in the world, with its more than 4000 shops. The Egyptian Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) is also very popular where you can enjoy the scenery of the various spices, dried fruits, basketry, jewelry, drapery and haberdashery.
Istanbul being the business capital of not only Turkey but also the region; functions as an intersection point between East and West and offers wide variety of huge market opportunities from Eastern Europe-Balkans to Central Asia, from Middle East to Africa
EMBRACE THE HARMONY OF BUSINESS, LEISURE, CULTURE AND HISTORY IN ISTANBUL
Istanbul, the bridge between Asia and Europe, creates a true blend of East and West that is unlike any place on Earth.
The city that is separated into two continents by the Bosphorus accommodates magnificent ancient and modern wonders of the world with its 8500 years of glamorous history.