ISTANBUL
Istanbul is the biggest city of TURKEY (Türkiye) with population of over 15 millions. This great historical city has one foot in EUROPE, the other in ASIA, and it is located on 32km (~20ml) of BOSPHORUS strait, which connects the trade routes of BLACK SEA (Karadeniz) from/to the sea of MARMARA (Marmara Denizi) and the MEDITERRENEAN (Akdeniz). Istanbul has always been one of the most fascinating cities in the world. There are 2 suspension bridges on Bosphorus (Istanbul Bogazı).
Istanbul was the capital of the Eastern Roman, Byzantine ant the Ottoman Empires. In 326 A.D., the Roman emperor Constantine decided to make this city the new capital of the empire and the city was adorned with temples and major public squares. Then when Roman Empire was divided into two in 395, this city becomes the natural capital of Byzantine Empire. After all in 1453, when the Ottomans’ conquest occurred this magnificent city become the capital of the Ottoman Empire and called ISTANBUL.
In geopolitical point of view BOSPHORUS is very important because it is the sea connection between the old Soviet Union countries and the rest of the world. Meanwhile Turkey manages this own waterway under condition of international laws.
The best way to see bosphorus is to board one of the passenger ferry boats that regularly goes zigzag along the shores. Take your camera and do not miss taking ferry tour.
Although its population is not accurately known, Istanbul 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.
