 | Istanbul today Over the centuries Istanbul has established itself as one of the greatest and most diverse cities in the world. It is one of the most pulsating and delightful places in Europe and the Middle East. Istanbul's centuries of empires have left it with an amazing collection of palaces, churches, mosques and markets from every period of history. Its unique position as a city that sits across two continents, both Europe and Asia, has given Istanbul a mixed cosmopolitan environment. Istanbul is the hub of Turkey, a vital metropolis that is made up of more than ancient palaces and smoky bazaars. |
 | Istanbul back then Istanbul was established in the mid-seventh century BC when a Greek explorer named Byzas was told by the Oracle at Delphi to sail up the Bosphorus and found a city. The result was the city of Byzantium which over the next thousand years became a significant center of trade and commerce. In the early fourth century AD, the Emperor Constantine made it the new capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople. As the Western Roman Empire fell to barbarian invasions in the fifth and sixth centuries, the eastern half, known as the Byzantine Empire became Rome's successor. Th |
 | The Marmara Istanbul The Marmara is located centrally at the Taksim Square. The hotel, due to popularity has opened a sec |  | Ritz-Carlton Istanbul The Ritz-Carlton is located above the Dolmabahçe Palace. The hotel offers exclusive clubs and cigar |
 | Pera Palas Hotel The Pera Palas Hotel was built in 1892 as lodging for the passengers of the Orient Express. A number |  | Four Seasons Hotel The Four Seasons Hotel is located at the center of Sultanahmet and was previously a prison. The five |
 | Çiragan Palace Hotel Kempinski Istanbul The Ciragan Palace Hotel was a residence of the last Ottoman sultans. It consists of two buildings, |  | Midtown Hotel Istanbul The hotel is centrally located on the Lamartin Street, in the Talimhane area of Taksim. The hotel o |
 | Nisantasi This district has spectacular historical buildings, luxurious shops and cafes. The most expensive br |  | Ziya Antiques This store provides antiques and collectibles dating to the Ottomans. Objects include wall hangings, |
 | Vakko Vakko is the place to go to find the best designer men's and women's wear. Their specialty includes |  | Grand Bazaar The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is one of the most famous shopping markets with over four thousand shop |
 | Mavi Jeans Mavi Jeans is like a Turkish Gap and provides smart and casual clothes for customers. It can also be |  | Mudo Mudo is another popular store for finding casual and smart clothing. Another Mudo store is at the in |
 | Filmekimi Filmekimi is an annual film festival that features over 20 films that have been previously screened |  | Bosphorus Bosphorus is the annual Asia-to-Europe swimming, rowing and sailing competition. It is organized by |
 | Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair
Turkey’s most important art fair, the Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair is hel |  | ARTIST 2007 ARTIST is the annual art fair that covers painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography and videograph |
 | International Istanbul Fashion Festival The International Istanbul Fashion Festival is held twice a year in Istanbul which is the second-lar |  | International Istanbul Fashion Festival The second International Istanbul Fashion Festival is held in August. |
 | Körfez The food at Körfez is great and the ambiance radiates style and elegance. There is also |  | Refik Refik is unimpressive to look at but has been an institution in the neighborhood since its establish |
 | Carne Carne provides a friendly and romantic ambiance for diners. Specialties include delicious dishes suc |  | Dubb Indian Restaurant and Gallery Dubb Indian Restaurant is located in a beautifully restored Ottoman house that is also used as a gal |
 | Feriye Restaurant Feriye restaurant has on offer a traditional Ottoman menu. During the summer the tables are shifted |  | Tarihi Meshur Sultanahmet Köfteçisi The specialties of this restaurant include meatballs and shepherd's salad. Type: Tu |
 | Fast Facts Location: Northwest of Turkey, on both sides of the river Bosphorus, where the strait enters the Sea of Marmara Local City Name: Istanbul Area: 1,830.92 sq km 706.9 sq miles Dialing code: +90 Area Code: Asia 216 / Europe 212 Emergency Numbers: Fire: 110 Police: 155 Ambulance: 112 Population: 11,372,613 Languages: Turkish, Arabic, Kurdish, Laz Time zone: GMT/UTC + 2 Currency: Turkey New Lira (TRY) or the Turkish Yeni Turk Lirasi (YTL) Ethnic mix: The population of Istanbul consists of 90% Turkish, while 4% are Kurdish. The remaining 6% are of Greek, Armenian, Jewish and other ethnicities. Average January Temperatures: 0 °C (32 °F) Average July Temperatures: 23 °C (73.4 °F) Annual Rainfall: 26" |
