The original name of Istanbul is “Byzantium”. The name “Byzantium” has Greek origins and refers to Byzas, the founder of the city. In 324, it was renamed to “Constantinople”, and in 1930 it was changed to Istanbul.
Istanbul is the largest city and principal seaport of Turkey. The Turkish commercial hub is the most populous European city and the world’s 15th-largest city.
Over the centuries, many cultures have added their mark to Istanbul. Today, you can experience those influences firsthand by exploring its mahalles (neighborhoods). From the holy sites of Sultanahmet and the 19th-century European elegance of Beyoğlu to the high fashion of Nişantaşı, the vibrant cafe society of Kadıköy and the football-loving streets of Beşiktaş, it’s easy to see why travelers say that Istanbul isn’t just one city, but multiple cities within one.
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
Istanbul is a magnificent city, one full of beauty, history, spectacular architecture, rich culture, amazing restaurants and breathtaking views.
