ABOUT ISTANBUL

Istanbul Where Continents Meet

Experience the Fusion of Cultures

Istanbul is a city that straddles two continents and connects the East and West. As such, the city is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, blending together to create a unique and vibrant atmosphere that can be felt throughout the city.

From the ancient mosques and palaces that dot the city's skyline, to the modern skyscrapers and bustling markets, Istanbul is a city of contrasts that manages to balance tradition and modernity in a way that is truly remarkable.

Whether you're exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Beyoglu and Karakoy, or visiting the historic Galata Port area, Istanbul offers something for everyone. Indulge in the city's rich culinary scene, which reflects the city's diverse population and history, or take a stroll through the many parks and green spaces that dot the city

When it comes to congress facilities, Istanbul has a range of options to offer. The city is home to several world-class hotels that cater to conferences and events of all sizes. Some popular choices include as ….

The Vibrant Demographics of Istanbul

With a population of over 15 million people, Istanbul is a bustling metropolis that is home to a diverse mix of cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds. The city's demographics reflect its rich history and strategic location, attracting people from all over the world. From young professionals to retirees, Istanbul offers a vibrant and dynamic community that contributes to its unique identity.

Historical Significance

Istanbul has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history. It has been the Capital of three great empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Each left behind a rich heritage that can still be seen in the city's architecture, art, and culture

HIGHLIGHTS

Hagia Sophia: This architectural marvel, once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, showcases Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles. It is stunning dome and intricate mosaics continue to captivate visitors from around the world. Located in the historic center of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s greatest cultural and historical sites, representing more than a millennium of civilization.

The Blue Mosque: Known for its cascading domes and six slender minarets, the Blue Mosque is a prime example of Ottoman architecture. Its interior features over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles and exquisite stained-glass windows. The intricately tiled Blue Mosque in Istanbul is a living monument to the Ottoman Empire, whose powerful, fascinating history is built into the very foundations of the mosque’s 400-plus- year-old facade.

Topkapı Palace: This sprawling palace complex, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, offers a glimpse into the opulent world of the Ottoman Empire. The palace is home to a vast collection of art, jewels, and religious relics. As the main royal residence between its completion in the 1460s to the construction of the Dolmabahçe Palace in the mid-19th century, it has borne witness to some of the most colorful and questionable figures of the Empire.

The Basilica Cistern: This ancient underground water storage system is an engineering marvel. Visitors can explore the eerie, dimly lit cistern and marvel at the hundreds of columns that support the structure. Like the Hagia Sophia Mosque, it was commissioned by Byzantine emperor Justinian as one of the hundreds of cisterns meant to hold rainwater.

Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a must-visit for shoppers and history buffs alike. With over 4,000 shops, visitors can find everything from traditional Turkish carpets and ceramics to jewelry and spices. Vibrant, bustling, and extraordinarily unique, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is an attraction like no other destination in the world.

Galata Tower: In 1348, the Genoese community living in the district of Pera (Galata) built today’s Galata Tower and named it Christea Turris (Tower of Christ). Galata Tower is a cylindrical tower made from stone and it is approximately 67 meters long.
During the Ottoman period, Galata Tower functioned as a jail, observatory house, and watchtower. The tower functions as a 360-degree viewing platform of Istanbul.

About Istanbul : https://istanbul.ktb.gov.tr/EN-285224/explore-istanbul.html