Istanbul (European side)

Istanbul (Turkish: İstanbul, historically also known as Byzantium and Constantinople; is the largest city in Turkey and fifth largest city proper in the world with a population of 12.8 million. Istanbul is also a megacity, as well as the cultural, economic, and financial centre of Turkey. The city covers 39 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbour known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents.

In its long history, Istanbul has served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010.

View of Istanbul



The Bosphorus Bridge connecting Europe and Asia



Turkey's national flower



Rumelihisari (Rumeli Fortress)



Main entrance to Topkapi Palace



The Walled Obelisk



The Serpent Column



Obelisk of Theodosius



Galata Tower



The Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia



Saint Antoine catholic church



The Yerebatan Sarnici (Basilica Cistern)



Grand Bazaar entrance



Obama's recommendation



Floating restaurant



Trump towers under construction



Football Stadium



Tasksim Tunel



Satellite dish for sale



Street surveillance camera



Seagull flying over Bosphorus strait