Historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul is the most populous city in Turkey and 15. in Europe. The city straddles the Bosphorus strait, and lies in both Europe and Asia, located in the northwest of Turkey.

Istanbul has always been an important city since prehistoric times with its positioned between two continents.

The golden age started with being the capital of the Roman Empire. later it became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Although today it is the most populous city in Turkey, it is the center of culture, tourism, economy, industry and trade. The city, which has the most important tourist spots in the country, is the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world.

Istanbul became the first Christian capital of history with Christianity being the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Hagia Sophia, the most important shrine of all time, is located in the heart of the city. Roman and Ottoman imperial buildings turned the city into an open-air museum.

Area : 5,343,22 km² (2,063.03 sq mi)
Population: 15,462,452