Istanbul is the only metropolis in the world spread across two continents. Europe and Asia are separated here by the waters of the Bosphorus. Founded as the Greek Byzantium, it became the great Constantinople — the capital of the Byzantine Empire. After the Turkish conquest, the city was named Istanbul and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. For two thousand years, Istanbul has absorbed the culture of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
History of Istanbul
The city`s history began in the 7th century BC when Greek colonists founded the settlement of Byzantium on the European shore of the Bosphorus. In 330 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great chose this site for the new capital of the empire, naming it New Rome, but the name Constantinople stuck. The city was rebuilt, surrounded by powerful walls, and became the center of Eastern Christianity for a thousand years.
In the 6th century, under Emperor Justinian, Constantinople experienced its golden age. It was then that the Hagia Sophia was built — a marvel of engineering that remained the largest Christian cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years.
On May 29, 1453, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror captured Constantinople, putting an end to the Byzantine Empire. The city became the capital of the Ottoman Empire and received a new name — Istanbul. Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, and construction began on the site of the Byzantine acropolis of Topkapi Palace — the residence of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries.
The 16th century, the era of Suleiman the Magnificent, became a new golden age. The architect Sinan erected his masterpieces — the Süleymaniye Mosque and other monumental buildings that defined the city`s silhouette. In the 19th century, during the Tanzimat period, Istanbul began to actively Europeanize: the first permanent bridges across the Golden Horn appeared, a tram line was laid in 1871, and in 1875 the Tünel opened — one of the oldest metro lines in the world.
In 1923, after the proclamation of the Turkish Republic, the capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul retained its status as the country`s commercial, industrial, and cultural center. Today it is Turkey`s largest city with a population of over 15 million people, sprawling across both shores of the Bosphorus.
The Architectural Code of Istanbul
Byzantine Heritage. The main monument of the Byzantine era is the Hagia Sophia (6th century), combining features of a basilica and a domed structure. Its giant dome, nearly 32 meters in diameter, seemed to contemporaries to float in the air. Another masterpiece is the Church of the Holy Savior in Chora (Chora Monastery) with its rich mosaics and frescoes from the late Byzantine period. Also preserved from the Byzantine period are the Theodosian Walls and the underground Basilica Cistern with its 336 columns.
Classical Ottoman Architecture. After the conquest of 1453, Ottoman architects created a new style that incorporated Byzantine traditions. The pinnacle of this style was the work of the architect Sinan in the 16th century. The Süleymaniye Mosque (1550–1557) with its four minarets and a dome 53 meters high is one of his masterpieces. Topkapi Palace (15th century) is an entire city within a city — with pavilions, harems, treasuries, and gardens.
Ottoman Baroque and Europeanization. In the 18th–19th centuries, European influences penetrated Ottoman architecture. The Fountain of Ahmed III (1728) at the gates of Topkapi is an example of Ottoman Baroque, a synthesis of European forms and traditional decoration. In the 19th century, palaces in the European style appeared — Dolmabahçe (1856), combining Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism, with its famous crystal staircase and 4.5-ton crystal chandelier from Bohemia. The Kamondo Stairs in Karaköy are an elegant example of Art Nouveau.
Contemporary Architecture. The 20th and 21st centuries have brought modern accents to the city`s appearance: office buildings, hotels, bridges. However, the historical center remains protected by UNESCO, and new construction is carefully integrated into the unique silhouette of the city on two continents.
Sights of Istanbul
Hagia Sophia. The main symbol of Istanbul and a monument of two eras. Built in 537 by Emperor Justinian as a Christian cathedral, it became a mosque after the conquest of 1453. In 1935, by Atatürk`s decree, it was turned into a museum, and in 2020 it regained its status as a mosque. Inside, the contrast is striking: Byzantine mosaics depicting Christ and the Virgin Mary coexist with Islamic calligraphy on huge shields. The giant dome seems to float in the air thanks to a system of light openings.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque). The only mosque in Turkey with six minarets, built in 1609–1616 by Sultan Ahmed I. The interior walls are decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles with a predominance of blue and turquoise tones, from which the European name originated. Soft light streams through 260 stained-glass windows, creating an atmosphere of peace.
Topkapi Palace. A huge palace complex that served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. It is a real city within a city with four courtyards, a harem, and a treasury where the famous Spoonmaker`s Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger are kept. Special attention deserves the Baghdad and Revan Pavilions, built by Sultan Murad IV, with tiles and mother-of-pearl inlay.
Basilica Cistern. The largest underground reservoir of the Byzantine period (6th century), built to supply the palace with water. 336 columns, 8 meters high, illuminated by reddish light, create a mystical atmosphere. The most mysterious detail is two columns with bases in the form of Medusa`s head.
Galata Tower. Built by the Genoese in 1348 as part of the defensive fortifications of the Galata colony, the tower was used as a lighthouse, prison, and fire watchtower. From its observation deck at a height of 67 meters, a 360-degree panorama of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the historical peninsula opens up. There is a legend: if a couple goes up the tower together for the first time, they will definitely get married.
Dolmabahçe Palace. A luxurious 19th-century residence built by Sultan Abdülmecid I, who sought to outshine European palaces. Located on the European shore of the Bosphorus. The interiors amaze with their richness: gold, marble, crystal, the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase, and the 4.5-ton crystal chandelier from Bohemia in the ceremonial hall.
Maiden`s Tower (Kız Kulesi). A small tower on a tiny islet off the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. The first fortifications appeared here as early as the 5th century BC. The tower is associated with a legend about a sultan who hid his beloved daughter from a predicted death from a snake bite — but the snake entered the tower in a basket of fruit.
Istanbul`s Districts, Palaces, and Other Gems
Sultanahmet. The historical heart of the city, where the main attractions are concentrated: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
Beyoğlu and İstiklal. The modern center with the bustling pedestrian street İstiklal, where a vintage red tram runs. Here you will find historic passages, consulates, restaurants, and rooftop bars.
Karaköy and Galata. The district at the foot of the Galata Tower with narrow cobblestone streets, art galleries, trendy cafes, and the Kamondo Stairs in Art Nouveau style.
Balat. A colorful district on the Golden Horn with colorful houses, where Jews, Greeks, and Armenians once lived. Today it is one of the most photographed places in the city.
Uskudar and the Asian Shore. The calm Asian side with the Maiden`s Tower, mosques, and an authentic atmosphere. Here you can try the best köfte or enjoy the view of European Istanbul.
Yıldız Palace and Park. A little-known palace and park complex of the 19th century, where Ottoman sultans loved to relax. It houses pavilions in different styles — Malta, Çadır, Şale — as well as gardens with exotic plants.
Istanbul`s Parks, Water, and Special Flavor
Bosphorus Strait. A ferry ride between two continents is a must-do ritual. The route from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavagi passes by Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Hisarı fortress, ancient yalıs (mansions), and under two bridges across the Bosphorus.
Yıldız Park. A huge park covering 500,000 sq.m. with ponds, pavilions, and rare trees. An ideal place to escape the city bustle.
Gülhane Park. A historic park next to Topkapi Palace, where sultans once strolled. In spring, tulips bloom during the famous festival.
Eminonu and the Pier. A bustling area near the Galata Bridge, where fishermen fish right off the bridge and famous fish sandwiches are sold at the piers.
Unusual Corners and Contemporary Spaces of Istanbul
Cistern of Theodosius. A lesser-known but no less impressive underground cistern where contemporary art exhibitions are held.
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (İstanbul Modern). Turkey`s first private museum of contemporary art, located in the Karaköy district.
Serdar-ı Ekrem Street. A cobbled street near the Galata Tower with boutiques, antique shops, and authentic pastry shops.
Balat Quarter. Colorful houses, vintage shops, and old churches — an ideal place for leisurely strolls and photo shoots.
Istanbul`s Surroundings: Gems Beyond the City
Princes` Islands (Kızıl Adalar). Distance from Istanbul: ~20 km, 1–1.5 hours by ferry from Kabataş or Eminönü. An archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara. The most popular are Büyükada and Heybeliada. There are no cars here — people get around by bicycle and horse-drawn carriages. Historic 19th-century mansions, pine forests, and many churches and monasteries have been preserved.
Rumeli Hisarı Fortress. Distance from central Istanbul: ~15 km up the Bosphorus. A majestic fortress built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1452 in just four months before the assault on Constantinople. Located at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus on the European shore. Inside — an amphitheater and a museum. Nearby — picturesque restaurants with a view of the strait.
Sarıyer and the Northern Bosphorus. Distance from the center: ~20–25 km. A fishing district on the European shore, famous for its restaurants with yogurt and fresh fish. From here, picturesque views of the Bosphorus and the Third Bridge open up.
Anadolu Kavagi. Distance from the center: ~30 km, the final stop for sightseeing ferries along the Bosphorus. A small fishing village on the Asian shore. Here you can climb to the ruins of the Genoese fortress Yoros, offering a view of the Black Sea, and have lunch with fresh fish in the coastal restaurants.
İznik (Nicaea). Distance from Istanbul: ~140 km, 2–2.5 hours by car. An ancient city where the First Council of Nicaea took place in 325 AD. Famous for İznik ceramics and Byzantine walls. The city preserves the Hagia Sophia church and many churches converted into mosques.
Practical Tips
When to go. The best time is April–May and September–October: warm, without the oppressive summer heat. In April, the Tulip Festival takes place — Istanbul`s parks turn into floral carpets. In summer it is hot and humid, with many tourists.
Book tickets in advance. Queues for Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern are enormous. Buy tickets online in advance or purchase the Museum Pass Istanbul, which grants fast-track entry and free admission to many museums.
Transport. Metro, trams, buses, and ferries operate on a single Istanbulkart system. The famous Tünel is one of the oldest metro lines in the world, connecting Karaköy and Tünel Square.
What to try. Döner kebab, içli köfte, stuffed mussels, manti, lahmacun. For sweets — baklava, künefe, Turkish coffee, and tea in tulip-shaped glasses. Don`t forget Turkish delight and Turkish ice cream dondurma.
What to drink. Tea is drunk everywhere and always. Turkish coffee is strong, with grounds. Ayran is a yogurt drink. For alcohol — rakı, local beer Efes.
Good to know. In mosques, you must remove your shoes; women must cover their heads; clothing should cover shoulders and knees. At the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, bargaining is a must.
The city annually welcomes over 15 million foreign tourists, ranking among the top five most visited destinations in Europe. The transport system includes metro, trams, buses, and ferries. Two bridges across the Bosphorus and the "Marmaray" tunnel under the strait connect the European and Asian parts of the city. Istanbul is not only historical monuments but also a modern business, cultural, and commercial center with developed infrastructure. The city is convenient to visit at any time of year.
