Istanbul is the only city with lands on both the European continent and the Asian continent. Traveling to Istanbul is also unique in that it hosted two successive empires, the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Therefore, visitors may have the chance to experience the cultural heritage of these two great civilizations, which can still be observed in the city.
Istanbul's position on the sea offers a unique location both commercially and geopolitically. It became the imperial seat and capital of the sultans during the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. After the War of Independence, Ankara became the capital city. However, Istanbul still remains the center of Turkey in terms of commercial, historical, cultural aspects, and population density.
The charm of Istanbul lies in its infinite diversity and the complexity of city life. Its fascinating history has left the city a vibrant heritage of Byzantine ruins, majestic Ottoman palaces, ancient mosques and churches, baths, and exotic bazaars. Moreover, with its western boutiques, office blocks, and elegant suburbs, as well as trendy bars and nightclubs, Istanbul offers a thriving nightlife ambiance.
With the attraction of bringing together many different cultures, the city has a population of over 16 million. All this offers a fascinating and crazy experience for tourists coming flocking to the city for shopping, sightseeing, and everything else this magical city offers. It is hot and humid in Istanbul in the summer. The average temperature between June and September is 28°C. Summers are relatively dry, but it rains all year round. In winter, the weather is cold, rainy, and usually snowy.
The most striking attraction of Istanbul is the architectural diversity offering challenging and historical buildings that reward sightseeing both educationally and visually. Tourist sightseeing in Istanbul offers places of interest such as Hagia Sophia, an old cathedral, and a huge museum decorated with stunning mosaics. Another iconic Istanbul attraction is the Blue Mosque with its elegant minarets and graceful domes. The Basilica Cistern, which dates from the 1st century and is supported by hundreds of underground columns, is an important symbol of Istanbul. Galata Tower offers its visitors a 360° panoramic view of the old city while visiting Istanbul.
