Istanbul – Turkey’s Bridge Capital

Istanbul – Turkey’s Bridge Capital

A city chosen by tens of millions every year

Istanbul stands where continents meet — bridging Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus Strait, with a history that stretches over millennia and a cultural fabric woven from empires, trade and modern innovation. In 2024, Istanbul accounted for more than 35% of Turkey’s international tourist arrivals, underscoring its position as a key destination. 

Airport & Transportation

The city is served by major hubs such as Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), facilitating global connectivity. Within the city, metro lines, tramways, ferries and buses traverse the two continents with ease. The split geography enhances the visitor experience — you travel between Europe and Asia without leaving the city. 

History & Cultural Heritage

Founded in the 7th century BCE as Byzantion, the settlement became Constantinople in 330 AD under Emperor Constantine, serving as the heart of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.  Captured by the Ottomans in 1453 and renamed Istanbul, the city entered a new era of change. Through these transitions, Istanbul amassed a layered identity where Roman forums, Byzantine churches and Ottoman palaces coexist. 

Every corner whispers stories: from the domes of the Hagia Sophia and the minarets of Blue Mosque, to the grand pavilions of Topkapi and the bustling lanes of the Grand Bazaar.

Districts, Neighborhoods & Places to Visit

The city’s neighborhoods each bring a unique vibe: historic Sultanahmet, buzzing Beyoğlu & Taksim, the Asian-side delights of Kadıköy & Üsküdar. A leisurely Bosphorus cruise offers scenic views of palaces, waterfront mansions and lush hillsides.

Suggested highlights include:

• Hagia Sophia – a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. 

• Topkapi Palace – home of the sultans, treasury and gardens.

• Grand Bazaar – centuries-old trading hub still alive today.

• Bosphorus cruise – feel the geography of two continents.

• Modern galleries, seaside cafés and vibrant nightlife for the contemporary traveler.

Economy & Tourism Infrastructure

Istanbul is Turkey’s commercial, cultural and tourism epicenter. The city offers everything from luxury hotels and boutique stays to major shopping centres and art events. In 2023, it saw over 16 million international visitors. 

Conclusion

Istanbul doesn’t just live in time — it wears time. With the past as its foundation and the future in its skyline, the city allows visitors to step across centuries in a single stroll. Born from empires, thriving in the modern era, it remains a living mosaic of cultures.

Istanbul – the city where continents converge, histories collide, and every street tells a story.