Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey, and also one of the largest cities in Europe (although most of Turkey is not in Europe), with 11,000,000 inhabitants. Founded by the Roman emperor Constantine on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium, and called Constantinople after him (only after March 28, 1930 did the name Istanbul become official, after the Greek stan poli meaning 'at the City' or 'City of the Cities'), it became the eastern capital of the Roman Empire and later the capital of the Byzantine Empire. After the Fall of Byzantium (1453) it became part of and soon capital of the Ottoman Empire.

The old city is mainly located on the Bosporus strait, which separates Europe from Asia and the Black Sea from the Marmara Sea. However, the modern city is much larger and covers both European and Asian sides of the Bosporus. Famous tourist places include Sariyer, Eyüp and Taksim on the European side, and Beykoz, Üsküdar, Kadiköy, Moda, Bostanci and Adalar (the Princes Islands) on the Asian side. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of Turkey, it is still the major city in Turkey's industry, commerce and culture and the most important import and export center.

For the history of Istanbul, see the articles at Byzantium and Constantinople.

For Istanbul cymbals, see Istanbul cymbals.

Places to visit

• Topkapi Museum (see also the 1964 movie)
• The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul[?]
• Golden Horn[?]
• Hagia Sophia

Airports

• Ataturk International Airport