Istanbul, having hosted various civilizations and being the oldest center of population with its rooted history and culture, is the most crowded and populated city of Turkey. Connection Asia and Europe and Euxine Sea to the Atlantic via the Aegean Sea, this metropolitan city has a population of approximately 15 million. Istanbul is one of the cities that managed to protect its cultural heritage. Under Western Civilizations’ power up until 15th century, Istanbul was the last piece of land that belonged to Byanztium Empire in Europe. Under Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s command, Ottoman Empire conquered the city in 1453 and gave its status as Turkey’s capital city, which lasted for hundreds of years. Because of its historical past, many mosques, churches and likewise structures of various old civilizations still exist in Istanbul.
Places to Visit in Istanbul: Aghia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower, Süleymaniye Mosque, Covered Bazaar, Chora Museum, Haliç, Dolmabahçe Palace, Istıklal Avenue, Galata Bridge, Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Turkish And Islamic Arts Museum, Maiden’s Tower, Bosphorus Bridge, Miniatürk, Gülhane Park, Rüsten Paşa Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumelian Fortress, Çırağan Palace, Little Aghia Sophia Mosque, Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Obelisk, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Grove of Emirgan, Beyazıt Square, Military Museum, Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, Pera Museum, The Museum of Innocence, Hagia Irene, Yıldız Park, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Merlin’s Arch, Sea Life Acquarium, Şehzade Mosque, Yıldız Palace, Tekfur Palace, Sokullu Mehmed Paşa Islamic-Ottoman Social Complex, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Fethiye Mosque, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Sultanahmet Square.