Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul Turkey is a crossroad of civilizations and has a rich history.

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the 5th largest proper in the world with over 12 million people. It is the cultural, economic and financial center of Turkey.

The history of Istanbul is amazing!

It was capital of the Roman Empire (330–c.395). It was also capital of the Byzantine Empire (c.395–1204 & 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922).

Recently Istanbul was chosen as a European Capital of Culture for 2010 and European Capital of Sports for 2012.

There are an amazing number of historic buildings, art galleries and museums to entertain and delight.

And…there are a larger number of restaurants, bars, galleries and clubs to amuse and energize. They number more than the exquisite Ottoman mosques (and there are a huge number of them).

To experience Istanbul’s past attend the Grand Bazaar and The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior.

You can also see the Topkapi Palace of the Ottoman dynasty and the Hippodrome (built by the Romans). Istanbul has become a true metropolitan city where the past bumps into the present, and the future!

Return from Istanbul Turkey to Cheap Europe Vacation