This programme is funded by the European Union
İstanbul
İstanbul is the major metropolis of Turkey. 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 Europe (Thrace) and on the Asia (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents.
In its long history, İstanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). İstanbul has also been nicknamed “The City on Seven Hills” because the historic peninsula, the oldest part of the city, was built on seven hills like Rome, each of which bears a historic mosque.
By generating 55% of Turkey’s trade, İstanbul is now the business centre of the country.
