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Istanbul is the only
city in the world that is established on two continents. It is
situated between the 48. north latitude and 28. east longitude.
The city consists of three parts in general; On the European side,
the Historic Peninsula to the south of the Golden Horn and the
Galata District to the north, and the New City on the Asian side.
The European side of the city is a trade and business center,
whereas the Asian side is more of a residential area.
Istanbul is established on the both sides of the Bosphorus which
connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and separates
Asia and Europe. The 7 km. long narrow inlet, named Golden Horn,
divides the European side of the city into two sections.
Because of its location between Asia and Europe,
Istanbul has always had a great geopolitical importance.
Today, Istanbul is still a political and commercial center for the
Balkan and Middle Eastern Countries and the Turkic Republics
of Central Asia. The settlement, known as Byzantium after its
founder, took the name Constantinople, the city of Emperor
Constantine', during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine the
Great. It was then known as Istanbul after the conquest of the
Ottomans, and became one of the biggest and the most crowded city of
Europe. The city is spread over an area of 7.500 km2, 150 km. long
and 50 km. wide.
Although its population is not accurately known, it is estimated to
be 12 to 15 million. Because of the continuous immigration from the
rural areas, the city grows rapidly and the population increases
around half a million every year. Each year, 1.000 new streets are
constructed within the city, and brand new settlements rise on the
east west axis
The population of the city, with a %5 annual increase, doubles in
every 12 years. One out of every five citizens, is living in
Istanbul. Around 2 million tourists visit Istanbul every year, and
admire the historical and natural beauties of the city. Istanbul,
where East and West, Asia and Europe meets, is a world city that
different cultures and religions create the most harmonious
synthesis. With particular consideration of historical monuments and
cultural richness, Istanbul may only be compared to Rome, which
carries so many similar characteristics. In Rome and in Istanbul,
which was the capital for both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires,
administrators and governors constructed the greatest religious and
civil structures, and decorated their capital cities with the most
beautiful works of the famous architects.
The Bosphorus is unparalleled for its natural beauties such as the
Golden Horn and the Islands. Its moderate climate, active night
life, lovely people, and the excellent Turkish Cuisine are some of
the other factors, which make Istanbul an attractive destination for
foreigners. A foreigner wishing to know Istanbul closely should
spend at least a week in this beautiful city. 337) it was burned
down during a revolt.
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