Istanbul is a megacity like no other, an unique megacity: it lies on two continents.

It is Europe’s most poulous city, and is ranked worldwide on the 3rd place, with its 12 000 000 inhabitants. The european side is named Thrace, and the asian Anatolia. 30 % of the population lives on the asian side, which is newer and has a better infrastructure.

Istanbul has a long, glorious, turbulent history. It was founded by the roman emperor Constantin, with the intention to become the capital of the Roman Empire. That is why it was long time called Constantinopole, and was really the capital of the Roman Eastern Empire. In 1432 it was conquered by the osman turks, becoming the capital of the Othoman Empire. When proclaming Republic of Turkey in 1922, Mustafa kemal Ataturk moved the capital to Ankara, but Istanbul continued to florish up today! In the last 50 years it tripled its population.

Istanbul lies on the Bosphorus Street, which makes the connection between the Black Sea and the Mediteranean Sea. A strategic position, if you agree! And a wonderful sight, knowned here as the Golden Horn.Today, there is a wonderful bridge on the Bosphorus, uniting the two parts of the city.

Istanbul is a strange , but seducing mix of nationalities and religions.  The most of inhabitants are muslim turkish, but you can find also greeks( in the quarter of Fanar), armenians and sephard jews, etc. In Istanbul there are 108 muslim cemeteries and 50 non muslim cemeteries !

You need at least one week to meet and understand Istanbul, as it is a paradise for any tourist : luxury hotels, budget hotels, museums ( archaeology, Topkapy Palace, Aya Sofia), ships short travels on the Golden Horn, shopping ( in luxury modern malls or traditional bazars), and a lot more!

I will come again with details from every corner of Istanbul and necessary informations for any traveler.

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