Istanbul Asian
Cities
The "Umraniye" district is considered a model of successful urban development in Istanbul, combining a strategic locatio...
Kartal, Istanbul is considered a model of balanced urban development that combines nature preservation with meeting the...
Üsküdar is considered a unique blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a distinguished strategic location, m...
Kadıköy in Istanbul is a living example of balanced urban development that combines the preservation of heritage and his...
Maltepe is a promising area that combines modernity, urban development, and integrated services, making it an ideal dest...
Tuzla, in Istanbul, is considered a strategically important and promising area, combining history, nature, and developme...
Çekmeköy represents a promising residential and investment destination in Istanbul. Thanks to its distinguished location...
Pendik blends the fragrance of history, the beauty of nature, and the development of infrastructure and services, making...
Ataşehir is considered a vital investment hub in the heart of Asian Istanbul, distinguished by its excellent strategic l...
Beykoz district in Istanbul combines a strategic location, rich history, natural beauty, and developed infrastructure. T...
Sultanbeyli is an ideal destination for those seeking quiet and comfortable housing away from the bustle of the city, as...
Sancaktepe, in Asian Istanbul, is a prime example of the urban and economic development that Turkey is experiencing. Tha...
Şile Istanbul is a coastal gem that combines history, nature, and tranquility. It is a popular tourist destination, an i...
Istanbul, also known as İstanbul (in modern Turkish: İstanbul; in Ottoman Turkish: استانبول), and historically known as Byzantium, Constantinople, Al-Astana, and Islambol, is the largest city in Turkey. It is divided into two parts, the European side and the Asian side (Anatolia), in addition to the Princes' Islands, and is considered the economic, cultural, and historical center of the country. The city stretches along the Bosphorus Strait and is located in both Europe and Asia, with a population of over 15 million, constituting 19% of Turkey's population. Istanbul is the most populous city in Europe and the fifteenth most populous city in the world. Istanbul is a major city, covering an area of 39 districts that make up the Istanbul Province. Istanbul surrounds the natural harbor known as the "Golden Horn" (Turkish: Haliç or Altın Boynuz), located in the northwest of the country, formerly known as "Thrace."
The city was founded as Byzantium in the 7th century BC by Greek settlers from Megara. In 330 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great made it the capital of the empire, renaming it first New Rome (Nova Roma) and then Constantinople after himself. The city grew in size and influence, eventually becoming a beacon for the Silk Road and one of the most important cities in history.
Throughout its long history, the city has served as the capital of several states and empires, including the Roman Empire (330–395), the Byzantine Empire (from 395 to 1204, then from 1261 to 1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). In most of these periods, the city was surrounded by an aura of sanctity, holding great religious importance for its inhabitants and the people of neighboring countries. It was an important city for Christians after the Byzantine Empire adopted Christianity, before becoming the capital of the Islamic Caliphate from 1517 until the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire in 1924.
In 1923, after the Turkish War of Independence, Ankara replaced the city as the capital of the newly formed Republic of Turkey. In 1930, the city's name was officially changed to Istanbul, which is the Turkish rendering of a Greek phrase used colloquially since the 11th century to refer to the city.
Istanbul was chosen as a joint European Capital of Culture for 2010, and its historical landmarks were previously added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. More than 13.4 million foreign visitors came to Istanbul in 2018, eight years after it was named European Capital of Culture, making it the eighth most visited city in the world.