2006-11-16 01:15:52 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Turkey
Here is a map of Turkey, and Istanbul.
http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/tr.htm
The capital of Turkey used to be Istanbul but was moved to Ankara in 1923 when the country became a Republic.
First, Istanbul was called Byzantium, then Constantinople. It is divided by the Bosphorus: one side is Europe, the other Asia, "where east meets west". From 1453 it was the seat of the Ottoman Empire.
The Topkapi Palace was the home of the Emperors, and is now a museum where you can see the harem and some beautiful tiles and treasures. (There was a comedy "heist" film called "Topkapi" with Melina Mercouri and Peter Ustinov.) If you can get hold of it, Noel Barber's book "Lords of the Golden Horn" is a very readable, colourful and fascinating account of the Emperors, their lives, concubines, wives, cruelty...
Istanbul also has some superb architecture, from the ancient Hagia Sophia Mosque to Suleiman the Magnificent's and the Blue Mosque.
There's a lot more to see, like ancient history, the souk, etc; it is a city of marvellous light, eastern mystery and atmosphere. Everybody should visit it once in their lifetime!
Try this site for some flavour:
http://www.paradoxplace.com/Insights/Topkapi/Suleiman%20Topkapi%20Ottomans.htm
2006-11-16 09:38:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Istanbul is NOT the capital of Turkey but it is the most important city. There are apr. 80 million people living in Turkey and almost %20 of the population live in Istanbul. The city is located over two continents: Europe and Asia. Bosphorus Strait separates two sides.
Istanbul officially founded by a Greek person: Byzas in 638 B.C. and named it as Byzantium.
Later on Romans arrived. Septimus Severus conquered the city in the name of Roman Empire and rebuilt it. One of the successors of Septimus, Contantine wanted to create a new capital and he chosed Byzantium. He enlarged, reconstructed, adorned the city. Then named it Constantinople.
The Historic city of present day Istanbul is Sultanahmet. Istanbul is famous for Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Underground Cistern, Grand Bazaar and all of them located in or near Sultanahmet Area within the old walls of Constantinople.
The metropolitan city: Taksim, Nisantasi, Cihangir, Karakoy, Besiktas regions are also beautiful. You may also pay a visit to Kadikoy which is located at the Asian side. It might be exciting literally changing the continent in several minutes.
Here is a recommended guide book to learn about Istanbul:
http://www.amazon.com/Istanbul-Saffet-Emre-Tonguc-Yale/dp/9752307434
You may also try this pretty useful blog written by a passionate tour guide:
www.istanbulclues.com
2015-12-03 05:21:41 · answer #2 · answered by serhat 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What Is Istanbul Known For
2016-10-19 05:54:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At the northern end of the Aegean Sea, at the entrance of the Bosphorous that connects the black sea with the sea of Marmara. Istanbul has plenty of sites to be seen and an expensive fish meal overlooking the Bosphorous is a must. The lonely Planet series has a travel guide on Istanbul.
2006-11-16 22:03:47 · answer #4 · answered by HM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
İstanbul is in Türkiye. Its the only city which two continents meet(Europe & Asia)
The Bosphorus is the most famous part of İstanbul that everyone have to see.
2006-11-16 01:55:02 · answer #5 · answered by HOTTürk 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Istanbul is located in Turkey.. It is a unique city that is also known as Where two continents meet.. There is a euporean & asian side in Istanbul..
They are famous for their museums, warm hospitality, carpets & beautiful sceneric sights... A place worth visiting once in your lifetime...
2006-11-16 01:48:33 · answer #6 · answered by Belle 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Look at a map of Europe, and of the world if you do not live anywhere in Europe, to see where Turkey (and thus Istanbul) is in relation to where you live.
2017-01-19 05:27:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Istanbul is famous of its past... it used to be called Constantinople and it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire until it fall to the barbarians of central Asia.
2006-11-17 09:12:06 · answer #8 · answered by Spartan 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Istanbul used to be Constantinople which was the headquarters for the Byzantine Empire. Try searching for information under Constantinople.
2006-11-16 01:33:19 · answer #9 · answered by Susan G 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Istanbul brochure (perfect):
http://www.tourismturkey.org/pdfs/istanbul_mamara_region.pdf
Istanbul Information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul
And in this, you can find its most famous places with photos:
http://www.balsoy.com/Turkiye/inpictures/si/Istanbul.html
2006-11-16 04:53:11 · answer #10 · answered by Irmak 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋