Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. It is very important for the country's economy, culture, and history. Over 15 million people live there, making it one of the biggest cities in Europe and the world. The city sits on two continents—most of it in Europe and a part in Asia. It is next to the Bosphorus, a busy waterway between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.

Istanbul has a rich history. It grew from the ancient city of Byzantium, later called Constantinople. For many centuries, it was the capital of big empires like the Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. Even though Turkey's capital is now Ankara, Istanbul still has many important historic sites. These include palaces, mosques, and its old center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, Istanbul is a busy global city. It helps Turkey’s economy a lot. Many people visit Istanbul, and it is very popular. The city has many universities, airports, and ports. It is also known for its sports teams. However, Istanbul is close to the North Anatolian Fault, so it can be affected by earthquakes.

Names

Main article: Names of Istanbul

The city of Istanbul has had many names. Long ago, it was called Byzantium. Later, it was named Constantinople, meaning "Constantine's City." During Ottoman times, it became known as Istanbul. The name Istanbul may come from a Greek phrase meaning "to the city." Today, people from Istanbul are called İstanbullu in Turkish.

History

Main article: History of Istanbul

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Istanbul history.

Istanbul has a very long history. People lived there thousands of years ago, helping spread important ideas from the Near East to Europe. The first settlement on the Asian side was from the Copper Age. On the European side, people lived there long ago as well.

The city's history began around 660 BCE when Greek settlers founded Byzantium. Over time, many different groups ruled the city, including Persians, Greeks, and the Roman Empire.

Byzantine era

Constantine the Great made the city the capital of the Roman Empire in 330 CE, naming it Constantinople. It became a center for Greek culture and Christianity. Important churches were built, such as Hagia Sophia, which was the largest cathedral for many years. The city had strong walls and became rich and important during the Middle Ages.

Ottoman Empire

In 1453, the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II captured Constantinople and made it the capital of the Ottoman Empire. He brought people from many places to live there and built many new structures, including a large palace, the Grand Bazaar, and mosques. The city became a mix of many cultures.

Later rulers kept building and improving the city. During the time of Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1500s, artists and architects created wonderful works in Istanbul. The city grew with new bridges, facilities, and ways to travel.

Turkish Republic

In 1923, the Turkish Republic was created, and the capital moved to Ankara. The city's name changed from Constantinople to Istanbul in 1930. Over the years, Istanbul grew quickly as people came there for jobs. New roads, bridges, and public transport were built. Today, Istanbul is an important center for culture, history, and business in Turkey.

Geography and environment

Further information: Geography of Turkey and Geology of Turkey

Istanbul is in north-western Turkey. It is on the Bosporus Strait, which links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. This position has made Istanbul important for trade and defense. The city includes several beautiful islands like Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada, and five smaller islands. Over time, the city's shoreline has grown, and parts of Caddebostan were once underwater.

Istanbul sits on more than 50 hills. Its highest hill, Aydos, is 537 meters tall.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Istanbul

Istanbul has a mild climate because it is near the sea. Summers are warm, about 28 °C. Winters are cool, from 5 to 10 °C. The city gets more rain in winter than in summer. Snow sometimes falls, which can cause problems.

Flora and fauna

The natural plants around Istanbul include trees like chestnut, oak, and elm. There are also bushes such as laurel and broom. The city's waters have many fish and dolphins, though some species are rare because of pollution and overfishing. Istanbul is also famous for its many stray cats.

Pollution

Air pollution in Turkey is a big problem in Istanbul. Cars, buses, and taxis often cause smog.

Cityscape

See also: Historic Areas of Istanbul and List of urban centers in Istanbul

Districts and neighborhoods

Rumeli, meaning "Rumelia," is a local name for the European side of Istanbul.

The Fatih district, named after Mehmed II, is where old Constantinople was. Today, it is called the historic peninsula of Istanbul on the southern shore of the Golden Horn, across from the medieval Genoese citadel of Galata. The Genoese buildings in Galata were mostly torn down in the 1800s, leaving only the Galata Tower. Galata (Karaköy) is now part of the Beyoğlu district, which is Istanbul's main shopping and entertainment area. It includes İstiklal Avenue and Taksim Square.

Dolmabahçe Palace, where leaders worked during later Ottoman times, is in the Beşiktaş district on the European side of the Bosporus, north of Beyoğlu. The old village of Ortaköy is in Beşiktaş and is known for the Ortaköy Mosque on the Bosporus, near the Bosporus Bridge. Along both sides of the Bosporus are beautiful summer homes called yalıs that Ottoman leaders built. North of Taksim Square is the Istanbul Central Business District, filled with offices, homes, shops, and schools. Maslak, Levent, and Bomonti are important parts of this business area.

The Atatürk Airport area is another busy place.

Asian side

During Ottoman times, Üsküdar and Kadıköy were quiet places with seaside homes and gardens. But in the late 1900s, the Asian side grew a lot. This part of the city was built later, so it has better roads and planning. Much of the Asian side is like a neighborhood away from the busy centers on the European side. But places like Kozyatağı–Ataşehir, Altunizade, Kavacık and Ümraniye have become important business and shopping spots.

Expansion

Because Istanbul grew very fast in the 1900s, much of the city has buildings called gecekondus that were built quickly without permission. Now, some of these areas are being torn down and replaced with new homes. The government also plans to build more of the city to the west and north on the European side near the new Istanbul Airport. These new parts will have homes for many people.

A wide view of Istanbul from the south of the historical peninsula and above the Sea of Marmara. The Golden Horn and the Bosporus strait can be seen far away. Many business areas are also visible.

Parks

Istanbul does not have one big main park, but it has several green spaces. Gülhane Park and Yıldız Park were once part of two palaces – Topkapı Palace and Yıldız Palace – but they were turned into public parks. Another park, Fethi Paşa Korusu, is on a hill next to the Bosphorus Bridge.

Near the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge on the European side is Emirgan Park, which was called the Kyparades ('Cypress Forest') during Byzantine times. The park is famous for its many plants and holds a tulip festival every year.

Popular in the summer is Belgrad Forest, covering a large area at the north edge of the city. The forest once provided water to the city.

Architecture

See also: Architecture of Istanbul, Ottoman architecture, and Architecture of Turkey

Istanbul is famous for its Byzantine and Ottoman buildings, but its structures show the many peoples and empires that ruled the city. You can still see buildings from the Genoese and Romans along with Ottoman styles. Though nothing from the time of ancient Greece remains, Roman buildings have lasted better. Obelisks from the Hippodrome of Constantinople are still in Sultanahmet Square, and part of the Valens Aqueduct stands almost whole at the west edge of Fatih district. The Column of Constantine is still standing not far from the Hippodrome.

Early Byzantine architecture used domes and arches like the Romans but improved them, as seen in the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus. The oldest surviving Byzantine church in Istanbul is the Monastery of Stoudios. After Constantinople was taken back in 1261, the Byzantines made two important churches bigger, the Chora Church and Pammakaristos Church. But the most famous Byzantine building is the Hagia Sophia. With a dome 31 meters (102 ft) wide, the Hagia Sophia was the world's biggest cathedral for over 1,000 years. Now it is a museum.

Among the oldest surviving Ottoman architecture in Istanbul are the Anadoluhisarı and Rumelihisarı fortresses. Over the next four hundred years, the Ottomans built many tall mosques and fancy palaces. The biggest palace, Topkapı, has many different styles. The main mosques include Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the Blue Mosque), Süleymaniye Mosque, and Yeni Mosque, all built when the Ottoman Empire was strongest. Later, Ottoman buildings were replaced by European styles. Areas around İstiklal Avenue have big European embassies and rows of buildings in Neoclassical and Renaissance Revival styles.

Government and politics

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is the main local government for the city. It started in 1930 and takes care of public works, water, transportation, and cultural services. It employs over 80,000 people, making it a big employer in Turkey. The city's current layout comes from changes made in the 1800s.

District municipalities

Main articles: List of districts of Istanbul and List of neighbourhoods of Istanbul

District municipalities handle waste and building within their areas. They work separately from the main city government and have their own budgets. Each neighborhood has a Muhtar, an elected official who helps people with government issues.

Civil administration

Civil administration in Istanbul includes officials chosen by the national government. They take care of local matters for national agencies and help with public safety. The Vali watches over safety for the whole area, while the Kaymakam handles tasks for each district.

Politics

Istanbul plays a big role in Turkish politics. In recent years, the city's views have changed. In 2019, Ekrem İmamoğlu won the mayoral election after a second vote, showing a shift in leadership. He was elected again in 2024. Istanbul also sends many representatives to Turkey's parliament.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Istanbul

See also: Demographics of Turkey

Istanbul has been a very big city for a long time. By the year 500 CE, Constantinople (an old name for Istanbul) had between 400,000 and 500,000 people, making it the largest city in the world at that time. It stayed one of the biggest cities for many years, competing with places like Baghdad, Chang'an, Kaifeng and Merv.

Today, Istanbul is a huge city with over 15 million people. Most of these people live on the European side of the city. Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world and has been growing quickly, especially in the last 50 years. Many people have moved to Istanbul from other parts of Turkey and from other countries.

Ethnic and religious groups

Main article: Religion in Istanbul

See also: Assyrians in Turkey, Kurds in Istanbul, Bosniaks in Turkey, Greeks in Turkey, Armenians in Turkey, Jews in Turkey, and Albanians in Turkey

Istanbul has had people from many different backgrounds living together for a long time. Today, most people in Istanbul are Turkish people. There are also many people from the Kurdish and Arab communities.

Most people in Istanbul follow the Sunni Muslim faith. There are also smaller groups of people who follow other religions, such as Christian and Jewish traditions.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Istanbul

Istanbul has a very important economy. In 2018, it had the eleventh-largest economy among world's cities. The city is a big part of Turkey's industry, money, and taxes.

Istanbul is a key place for ships and trade because it sits on the Bosporus strait, which connects Europe and Asia. This narrow waterway is busy with ships, including those carrying oil. The city has big ports where ships load and unload goods. It is also a center for banking and money, with many banks and the country's only stock exchange. Tall buildings and modern offices show how busy the city is with money and business.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Istanbul

Istanbul was once a big place for culture, but it slowed down when Turkey’s capital became Ankara. Later, Turkey paid more attention to European music and arts, mostly in Ankara.

But Istanbul still kept much of Turkey’s culture. By the 1980s and 1990s, Istanbul became important again for culture, not just for its past.

By the late 1800s, Istanbul was a place where artists from Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East gathered. Even though Ankara tried to be Turkey’s cultural heart, Istanbul kept the main art places until the 1970s. In the 1980s, new schools and art magazines opened in Istanbul, and artists from Ankara moved there.

Beyoğlu became the arts part of the city. Young and older Turkish artists found places to work there. Modern art museums opened in the 2000s, such as İstanbul State Art and Sculpture Museum, National Palaces Painting Museum, İstanbul Modern, Pera Museum, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Arter, and SantralIstanbul. These added to the city’s mix of cultures. Older museums, like the Istanbul Archaeology Museums and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, are still very popular.

The first movie shown in Turkey was at Yıldız Palace in 1896, just after movies started in Paris. Soon, movie theaters appeared in Beyoğlu, especially on İstiklal Avenue. Istanbul became where many Turkish movies were made, especially dramas and comedies. Turkish movies started winning awards around the world after films like Uzak (2002) and My Father and My Son (2005). Istanbul has also been where many famous foreign movies were filmed.

The Istanbul Festival started in 1973, showing many kinds of art from Turkey and the world. From this came the International Istanbul Film Festival and the Istanbul Jazz Festival in the 1980s. The Istanbul Festival now focuses on music and dance and is called the Istanbul International Music Festival. The Istanbul Biennial started in 1987 and happens every two years. It began with Turkish art but now includes artists from all over the world.

Abdi İpekçi Street in Nişantaşı, the Galataport Shopping Area in Karaköy, and Bağdat Avenue are fancy shopping places. Other popular spots for shopping, fun, and entertainment are Nişantaşı, Ortaköy, Bebek, and Kadıköy. Istanbul has many shopping centers, both old and new. The city also has a lively nightlife and historic taverns, which have been part of the city for a very long time.

The Grand Bazaar has been operating since 1461 and is one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world. Mahmutpasha Bazaar is an open market between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, which has been Istanbul’s main spice market since 1660.

Galleria Ataköy started modern shopping malls in Turkey when it opened in 1987. Since then, malls have become important shopping places outside the old part of the city. Akmerkez was called the best mall in Europe and the world in 1995 and 1996. Istanbul Cevahir is one of the biggest malls in Europe since 2005. Kanyon won an award in 2006. Zorlu Center and İstinye Park are also fancy malls with stores from top fashion brands around the world.

On İstiklal Avenue is the Çiçek Pasajı (‘Flower Passage’), a 19th-century shopping area that now has winehouses, pubs, and restaurants. İstiklal Avenue used to be known for its taverns but now is more for shopping. Nearby, Nevizade Street still has many winehouses and pubs. Some areas around İstiklal Avenue have changed to have pubs, cafes, and restaurants with live music.

Istanbul is famous for its historic seafood restaurants. Many popular and fancy seafood restaurants are along the Bosporus, in places like Ortaköy, Bebek, Arnavutköy, Yeniköy, Beylerbeyi, and Çengelköy. Kumkapı by the Sea of Marmara has a walking area with about fifty fish restaurants.

The Princes' Islands, about 15 kilometers from the city center, are popular for their seafood restaurants, old summer homes, and quiet streets without cars. People from Istanbul and tourists love to visit these islands.

Istanbul is also known for its fancy Ottoman dishes. After people moved to Istanbul from southeastern and eastern Turkey starting in the 1960s, the city’s food changed a lot. Now, foods like kebab from the Middle East are common.

Restaurants with foods from other countries are mostly in the Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Kadıköy areas.

Besides many sports places and concert halls, Istanbul has open-air spots for concerts and festivals, like the Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre in Harbiye, Paraf Kuruçeşme Open-Air on the Bosphorus shore in Kuruçeşme, and Parkorman in the forest of Maslak. The Istanbul Jazz Festival happens every year since 1994. Rock'n Coke was a big rock music festival held between 2003 and 2013 at the Hezarfen Airfield in Istanbul.

The Istanbul International Music Festival has been held every year since 1973, and the International Istanbul Film Festival since 1982. The Istanbul Biennial is a modern art show held every two years since 1987. The Istanbul Shopping Fest is an annual shopping event since 2011, and Teknofest is a yearly festival about aviation, space, and technology since 2018.

Sports

See also: List of sport facilities in Istanbul

Istanbul has some of Turkey's oldest sports clubs. Beşiktaş J.K., started in 1903, is one of the oldest clubs. Galatasaray S.K. and Fenerbahçe S.K. have done well in international games and won many titles. They have a long rivalry, with Galatasaray in the European part and Fenerbahçe in the Anatolian part of the city. Istanbul has many basketball teams that play in the top league.

Many of Istanbul's sports places were built or improved since 2000 to support the city's tries to host the Summer Olympic Games. Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Turkey's largest stadium, was finished in 2002. It hosted big games like the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final. Other stadiums like Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Türk Telekom Arena, and Beşiktaş Stadium have also been built or updated.

The Sinan Erdem Dome is one of Europe's largest indoor arenas. It has hosted important basketball and track events. Before this, Abdi İpekçi Arena was the main indoor place for events.

Istanbul has also been a place for car and motorcycle racing. The Istanbul Park circuit hosted the Formula One Turkish Grand Prix for several years. It has also been used for other racing events.

Media

Istanbul is the main center for Turkish media. The industry began in the old Ottoman capital. Istanbul today has many newspapers. Some top newspapers like Hürriyet, Sabah, Posta, and Sözcü are based there. Istanbul also has long-running Armenian language newspapers such as Marmara and Jamanak.

The city has many radio stations. TRT-Children is the only children's television station in Istanbul. Popular television stations include Star TV and Show TV, which show Turkish and American series. Other stations such as Kanal D and ATV offer news and series. NTV is known for its news coverage. The BBC has a regional office in Istanbul, and CNN licensed its brand to the Turkish-language CNN Türk in 1999.

Education

Further information: Education in Turkey

Many students go to school in Istanbul. The city has many schools, both public and private. There are high schools, vocational schools, and special science schools. Some of these schools are very old and well-known.

Istanbul is also home to many universities. The city has 61 universities with lots of students. These include public and private universities, as well as special schools for the military and arts. Some of the most famous universities were founded a long time ago and are known for their good education.

Public services

Main article: Utilities in Istanbul

Further information: Telecommunications in Turkey and Health care in Turkey

Istanbul has always provided clean water. In the past, water came through special structures called aqueducts and was stored in big underground tanks. Today, the city has modern systems to clean and manage water, so people have safe drinking water and good sewage treatment.

The city also has strong electricity, phone, and internet services. Istanbul has many hospitals, both public and private, that offer good care. Some people from other countries visit Istanbul for medical treatments because of its advanced facilities.

Transportation

Further information: Roads in Turkey, Rail transport in Turkey, and Aviation in Turkey

Roads

Istanbul has many big roads called motorways. Some important ones are the O-1, O-2, O-3, O-4, and O-7. These roads help cars move around the city and connect to other places. The O-1 is a ring road that goes around part of the city, and the O-2 is another ring road on the other side. These roads cross special bridges over water that connect different parts of the city.

Public transportation

Istanbul has many ways to get around without a car. There are trains, trams, underground trains called the metro, buses, and boats called ferries. All these different ways use the same tickets, which you can buy using a special card. Trams used to be pulled by horses a long time ago, but now there are modern trams that many people ride every day. The underground trains, or metro, have many lines that help people travel quickly across the city.

Ferries

There are special boats called ferries that cross the water between different parts of Istanbul. These ferries are very popular and run many times each day, stopping at many places along the water.

Railroads

Trains have been coming to Istanbul for a very long time. There used to be famous train services that went all the way to faraway places, but now most of these trains don’t run as much. Still, there are trains that help people travel between different parts of Turkey.

Airports

Istanbul has big airports where planes land and take off. The largest airport opened in 2018 and can handle very many passengers each year. There is also another airport on the other side of the city that is popular with budget airlines.

International relations

Further information: List of twin towns and sister cities of Istanbul

Istanbul has many friends with cities around the world. These friendships help the city grow and share ideas. The city works together with towns and cities in many countries to support culture, education, and business.

List of notable people

Main article: List of people from Istanbul

Istanbul is home to many famous people who have made important contributions in different fields. These people are known for their work in arts, sciences, and more.