City Overview

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Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey , and second largest metropolitan area in Europe with a population of 12 . 6 million . It is the cultural and financial center of Turkey which contains 27 districts of the Istanbul province . The city of Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn , in the northwest of the country . It is the only city that extends through two continents , both on the Europe and on the Asia (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus . Throughout its long history , Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395) , the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453) , the Latin Empire (1204–1261) , and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922) . The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010 while the many fascinating historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 .

Istanbul has become a modern western city that is granted many elements of traditional eastern culture as well . In the city of Istanbul you can see the remains of many ancient civilizations and their culture all in harmony together which acquired the city a reputation for being a cultural and ethnic melting pot . In this city , you can see many historical mosques , churches , synagogues , palaces , castles and towers all exist side-by-side in the same city . These historical structures , which draw millions to the city every year , reflect the heart and soul of Istanbul . Among the most famous and numerous attractions of Istanbul are the famous Maiden's (Leander's) Tower , one of the symbols of Istanbul that was originally built by the ancient Athenian , Column of Constantine which is a monument belonging to the Roman architecture that was erected in 330 by Constantine the Great , the well known Hagia Sophia which is the largest structure on Sultanahmet Square and its construction goes as far back as the year 537 . In addition , the city has many other wonderful structures belonging to the ottoman period among which are the splendid and very spacious palaces of Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahce palace , the great mosque of Sultan Ahmet with its wonderful architecture and six minarets and many domes , Hammas (Turkish baths) and the Grand Bazaar which is Turkey's oldest and largest covered-market as well as one of the largest world covered-markets that covers an area of 31 , 000 square meters and has about 4000 shops .

in the city of Istanbul , you can always be sure that you will enjoy a wonderful life because of its fascinating nightlife , Restaurants , cafeterias , sea trips as will as trying many delicious types of Turkish food and drinks . Istanbul is indeed such a wonderful city that will sure quench your thirst for knowledge , amusement and entertainment while visiting one of the most wonderful cities of the world .