Turkish Flag
ANCIENT HISTORY
Istanbul was founded by the Greek around 660 BCE. It became an important seaport due to the position on the Bosporus, which connected the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. The Emperor Constantine the Great chose it to be the capital of Byzantine empire in 324 and renamed it Constantine's city in 330. Constantinople became the largest city in Europe because of the location of the city and the trade due to the location. Although with the city's wealth and situation made it an expenxive city, and with that through the centuries it was often attacked.
The ancient parts of the city were homes to numerous Orthodox churches, palaces, public building, and some Byzantine monuments, such as the majestic church of Hagia Sophia that is still there today.
The ancient parts of the city were homes to numerous Orthodox churches, palaces, public building, and some Byzantine monuments, such as the majestic church of Hagia Sophia that is still there today.
Thesis
Since the founding of Istanbul, around 600 BCE, this picturesque city has served as one of the biggest economic centers of Turkey. Throughout history, millions of people from Europe, Asia, and Africa have flocked to this peninsula transforming it to the sprawling industrial city it is today.
Maps: Past and Present
Interesting Facts about Istanbul
1. Istanbul has been the capital of some of the biggest empires: Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires. Istanbul has become Turkey's largest city with over 14 million people. But now it is not Turkey's capital anymore.
2. Roman Emperor Constantine the Great wanted 7 hills just like Rome had their city built. Later it became "City of Constantine" after being called Byzantium since 660 BC. Then it became renamed Istanbul in 1930.
3. Istanbul has the third oldest subway in the world, which was built in 1875.
4. Hagia Sophia was one of the largest churches in the world for almost 900 years until the Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.
5. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest historical bazaar in the world with 3000 shops covering 61 streets.
6. Istanbul was the European Culture capital in 2010, and two years later it became the world's fifth-most-popular tourist destination. (BIDDING FOR 2020 SUMMER OLYMPICS)
7. Istanbul is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan economies in the world, and is in account for more than a quarter of Turkey's GDP.
8. Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle between two continents, the historic centre lies on the European side, and the Bosphorus Strait divides the city.
2. Roman Emperor Constantine the Great wanted 7 hills just like Rome had their city built. Later it became "City of Constantine" after being called Byzantium since 660 BC. Then it became renamed Istanbul in 1930.
3. Istanbul has the third oldest subway in the world, which was built in 1875.
4. Hagia Sophia was one of the largest churches in the world for almost 900 years until the Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.
5. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest historical bazaar in the world with 3000 shops covering 61 streets.
6. Istanbul was the European Culture capital in 2010, and two years later it became the world's fifth-most-popular tourist destination. (BIDDING FOR 2020 SUMMER OLYMPICS)
7. Istanbul is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan economies in the world, and is in account for more than a quarter of Turkey's GDP.
8. Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle between two continents, the historic centre lies on the European side, and the Bosphorus Strait divides the city.