Interesting Things About Istanbul You Need To Know
Chaitrali Datar
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Formerly called as 'Byzantium' and 'Constantinople', Istanbul is the most important city of Turkey.
It is the country's cultural, economic and political center and the fastest growing metropolis.
Interesting Trivia About Istanbul
The City
Istanbul is a brimming metropolis with a magnificent blend of modern and ancient architectural heritage. It is a perfect merger of Eastern and Western cultures.
History
In 660 BC, the city was called Byzantium. The name given by Megarian colonists. Then, in 330 AD, Constantine made it the capital of Eastern Roman empire, and named it Constantinople.
The empire was taken over by Ottoman Turks, and they ruled till the 20th century. In the early 20th century, Istanbul was taken over by the British, French and Italians.
The last Ottoman Emperor, Mehmed VI was exiled by the British in 1922. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey declared the establishment of Turkish Republic on 29 October 1923, and Ankara was made the capital.
Today Istanbul stands as a Global City and contributes to more than a quarter of Turkey's GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
Geography
Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus Strait and covers the area of Golden Horn, an urban waterway in Istanbul.
The Bosporus connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and divides the city into the European and Asian sides.
Yes, so you see Istanbul is the first transcontinental city in the world to be located on two continents i.e. Europe and Asia!
Istanbul holds a very strategic position between the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea and therefore provides trade routes between the East and the West.
Multi religious Culture
Istanbul was ruled over by the Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine empires. This brought in major Christian, Jewish and Muslim influences in the city.
You will find churches, mosques, and synagogues all over the city, sometimes standing side by side.
People
Istanbul is the most populated city of Turkey, with a population of more than 15 million. Most of the people belong to the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities.
Miscellaneous Facts about Istanbul
Tulips were first cultivated in Turkey and are now the national flower of Turkey. To celebrate tulips, Istanbul holds a Tulip festival every year in April/May.
The oldest section of Istanbul metro opened in 1989. With 8 metro lines, the total length of the subway is 133 km.
Istanbul has some of Turkey's oldest sports club. The oldest out of all these clubs is Besiktas JK, which was established in 1903.
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world.
It has 60 streets, 5000 shops and attracts around 4 lakh visitors daily!
The total number of mosques in Istanbul exceeds 3000. Some of these mosques are even internationally recognised.
The Hagia Sophia is a significant architecture in Istanbul. It was once a church, later converted into a mosque, and is now a museum. One can see the Ottoman and Byzantium effects here, at the same time.
Istanbul is well known for its street food as well as the seafood. There are historic seafood restaurants that serve the best seafoods here.
Istanbul gives its visitors the best night life. When in Istanbul, you get to enjoy late night parties with delicious food and people dancing all night. There are cafes and restaurants open all night.
Author Agatha Christie's famous novel "Murder on the Orient Express", was written at the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul!
Tea is the most popular drink in Istanbul.
Istanbul is the fastest growing and a sought-after tourism destination in the world after New York and Amsterdam.
The best time to visit Istanbul is March to May and between September to November.