History
- Istanbul, also known as Constantinople and Byzantium, has a rich history dating back more than 2,500 years.
- It served as the capital of three great empires, the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
- In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine the Great made it the capital of the Roman Empire, and it became the center of Christianity in the East.
- During the Byzantine Empire, Istanbul was a cultural and intellectual hub, with magnificent churches and the world-renowned Hagia Sophia.
- In 1453, the Ottomans conquered the city, and it became the capital of their empire.
- The Ottoman era saw the construction of magnificent buildings such as the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
- Istanbul was a center of trade and commerce, connecting Europe and Asia through the Silk Road.
- During World War I, Istanbul was occupied by the Allies, and after the war, the city became the focal point of the Turkish War of Independence.
- In 1923, the Republic of Turkey was established, and Istanbul was no longer the capital, but remained the cultural, economic, and historical heart of the country.
- Today, Istanbul remains a city of great historical significance, with many sites and landmarks that reflect its rich past.
Modern
- Istanbul is the only city in the world that is located on two continents, Europe and Asia.
- Istanbul has one of the largest and most modern airports in the world, Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2018.
- Istanbul is home to the tallest skyscraper in Turkey, the Istanbul Sapphire, which stands at 261 meters tall.
- Istanbul is a hub for the Turkish film industry, with its major studios producing many popular films and TV shows.
- Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, nightclubs, and rooftop lounges scattered throughout the city.
- Istanbul has a growing startup scene, with several startup accelerators and incubators supporting local entrepreneurs.
- Istanbul is a major shopping destination, with numerous modern shopping malls offering international and local brands.
- Istanbul has made significant progress in recent years in terms of environmental sustainability, with initiatives like the Istanbul Carbon Summit and the city’s focus on renewable energy.
- Istanbul has a well-developed transportation system, including an extensive metro network, ferries, and bus rapid transit (BRT) lines.
- Istanbul has hosted several high-profile international events, including the World Economic Forum, the UEFA Champions League Final, and the Istanbul Biennial.
Food
- Turkish breakfast is a must-try, with dishes such as simit (a sesame-covered bread), menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers), and sucuklu yumurta (eggs with spicy sausage).
- Kebabs are a staple of Turkish cuisine, with options such as shish kebab (grilled meat on skewers), doner kebab (sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), and Adana kebab (spicy minced meat).
- Lahmacun is a popular street food in Istanbul, consisting of thin flatbread topped with minced meat and vegetables.
- Turkish pide is a delicious bread filled with various toppings, such as cheese, spinach, and meat.
- Turkish meze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers, including items like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and muhammara (a spicy red pepper dip).
- Turkish coffee is a strong and aromatic coffee traditionally brewed in a small copper or brass pot, and served with a side of Turkish delight.
- Salep is a hot beverage made from orchid tubers and milk, topped with cinnamon, and typically consumed in the winter.
- Ayran is a refreshing yogurt-based drink that is a popular accompaniment to meat dishes.
- Turkish baklava is a sweet dessert made of layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup.
- Lokum, also known as Turkish delight, is a chewy candy made from starch and sugar, often flavored with rosewater or citrus.
