Istanbul is one of the largest and most populous cities in Turkey. It is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Middle East and the largest in Europe. In this article, we aim to explore this ancient and historical city in detail.
The ancient name of this city was the Arabic word "Constantinople," and today it is known as "Istanbul." It is the largest and most populous Turkish city, as well as the cultural and economic center of Turkey. While Ankara is the capital of Turkey, Istanbul had a reported population of approximately 15 million in 2018. It is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Middle East and the largest in Europe.
Istanbul is located along the Bosporus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Black Sea. It separates the continents of Asia and Europe, making it the only major city in the world that spans two continents. The city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, is also situated here.
In 2010, Istanbul was chosen as the European Capital of Culture. Additionally, it ranked as the third most visited city by international tourists in the world that year.
Istanbul has remnants from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Iconic landmarks from these periods include the Hagia Sophia (originally an Eastern Orthodox Church built during the reign of Emperor Justinian, later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era, turned into a museum during the Turkish Republic, and reconverted into a mosque in 2020) and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque), which is a masterpiece of Islamic and Ottoman architecture.
A breathtaking view of the Bosporus Bridge, which connects the Asian and European parts of Istanbul, highlights its unique geographical positioning. The city spans an area of 1,539 square kilometers.
Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium, was founded by the Greeks in 667 BCE. The name "Byzantium" was chosen in honor of a Greek ruler. Later, during the conflicts between the Persian Empire (under Darius the Great) and the Greeks, the city came under Persian control in 196 CE. However, it later fell to the Romans.
In 330 CE, the Roman Emperor Constantine made Byzantium the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and renamed it "New Rome." After his death, the city became known as Constantinople.
In 1453, Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) successfully captured Constantinople, defeating the Romans. The city's walls were breached by cannon fire, leading to the fall of the Roman defenders. The entry point of the breach later became known as "Topkapi." Sultan Mehmed II declared Istanbul the third capital of the Ottoman Empire.
During his reign, Mehmed II ordered the famous architect Sinan Agha to design several iconic landmarks, including the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, educational institutions, baths, and other important buildings in the distinctive Islamic and Ottoman architectural style.
In 1923, with the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, the capital was moved from Istanbul to Ankara. However, Istanbul retained its commercial significance and remains Turkey’s largest city.
Istanbul is located near the North Anatolian Fault, making it vulnerable to earthquakes. Over the years, severe earthquakes have destroyed many historical structures, causing loss of life and displacement of thousands of residents.
The city is divided into two parts—European and Asian—by the Bosporus Strait. To the north, it borders the Black Sea, while to the southwest, it connects to the Mediterranean via the Bosporus. The two halves of the city are linked by a massive bridge, and Istanbul is home to over 15 million residents.
65% of Istanbul’s population resides on the European side.
35% live on the Asian side.
The city’s population has grown fivefold, an unprecedented rate.
The first six months of the year in Istanbul are humid. During this time, nighttime is the best time to explore the city's many historic mosques and attractions.
Autumn and winter, however, bring heavy rain and snowfall. If you plan to visit, spring and summer are the ideal seasons, with warm but comfortable weather.
Average winter temperatures range from 7 to 9°C.
Snowfall is common between December and March.
Some snowfalls can be particularly heavy.
Historically, Christianity was the dominant religion in Istanbul, as it was under Roman rule. However, following the Ottoman conquest in the 11th century, Islam became the majority religion. The Ottoman rulers declared Islam the official religion.
Most of Istanbul’s residents are Sunni Muslims.
15% of Turkey’s population, mainly Kurds in the east, follow the Shafi'i school of thought.
7.5 million Turks identify as Alevis, a third of whom live in Istanbul.
A small number adhere to secular (laic) beliefs.
The official language of Istanbul and Turkey is Turkish. This language is one of the oldest in the world and is rooted in the Ural-Altaic language group. Some regions, including southeastern Europe, parts of the Middle East, and northwestern Iran, also speak Turkish dialects.
Modern Turkish evolved from the Oghuz Turkish language introduced by the Seljuks in the 11th century. Over time, Arabic and Persian words were integrated into Turkish. Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1928, the Turkish alphabet was reformed, incorporating Latin script.
Istanbul’s religious landmarks serve both as places of worship and tourist attractions, renowned for their stunning architecture and intricate interior designs.
Notable sites include:
Hagia Sophia – A Byzantine church, later an Ottoman mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) – A masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Fatih Mosque – Built in memory of Sultan Mehmed II.
Süleymaniye Mosque – Built by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent for himself and his wife.
Istanbul is filled with historic landmarks and entertainment spots, including:
Basilica Cistern – A massive underground water reservoir from the Byzantine era.
Galata Tower – A romantic and historic landmark with panoramic views.
Hippodrome Square – A 1,000-year-old Roman-era public square.
Dolmabahçe Palace – A grand Ottoman palace featuring gold-plated ceilings and massive chandeliers.
Istanbul Shopping Malls – Some malls include museums, amusement parks, and food courts.
Forum Istanbul Mall – Features famous global brands and attractions like the Ice Museum and Jurassic Land.
Istanbul Mall – The city’s most luxurious shopping center.
Istanbul remains one of the world’s most historically and culturally rich cities, attracting millions of visitors each year.
