Istanbul

Istanbul is the only city in the world which spreads over two continents. It is located in Eorupe and Asia. The Bosphorus divides the city into the sides. Istanbul has a history of more than 2500 years and ever since its establishment on this strategic junction of lands and seas. The city has been a crucial trade center over years.

Istanbul has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. More than 1600 years, over 120 emperors and sultans ruled the world from here. There is not any other city in the world that can claim such a distinction.

Istanbul still remains a big cultural and business centre. It is an enchanting blend of Eastern and Western culture, a vibrant, modern city, with a unique identity. Its rich past coexists alongside its youthful exuberance.

Europe and Asia liked by two magnificient bridges in Istanbul. The European side is also divided in two by the Golden Horn – Haliç - which roughly divides the historic part of old ?stanbul. It is also crossed by a number of bridges. The most famous of which is the pontoon, the Galata Bridge. Most visitors on short city breaks stay in the old town as the vast majority of the sites which they will be visiting are in this area. ?stanbul’s most famous sites - The Blue Mosque or Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia), Topkap? Saray? (Palace) and the Grand Bazaar (Kapal? Çar??) - are all within a 30 minute walk of each other. It is easy to get around on foot or by making use of the tram, which provides a regular service on the pedestrianised main street.

The city is growing dynamically and developing at full speed. It is also a historical and cultural capital full of natural beauties.