Posts Tagged ‘turkey istanbul’
Istanbul
ISTANBUL
Ones the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), then the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), then the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and finally the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922), Istanbul is the largest city of Turkish Republic with the population of 12.573.836 according to the census held in 2007 (Estimated to be between 15 to 20 million today).
The Bosphorus, one of the two straits which separete Asia from Europe is located here and Istanbul is situated on both sides of this strait. The natural harbor known as the Golden Horn is located on the European side of the Bosphorus.
It is possible to see the constructions and remains (densely around Sultanahmet district) from Byzantium, Roman and Ottoman periods all over the city. Galata district which includes the famous Taksim square, Istiklal street and Byeoglu is famous with its night-life and considered as the heard of Istanbul. Golden Horn which is situated in between the districts Galata and Sultanahmet is a natural harbour.
Nisantasi and Besiktas are the other two pretty districts of the European site of the city with world famous shops and beautiful bosphorus view. Accross the Bosphorus, on the Anatolian side you can see Kadikoy district from where you can have a ferry to the islands.
Istanbul is one of three European Capitals of Culture in 2010 and in 1985 the historical parts of the city were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
