Host city

Chosen as the joint city for European Capital of Culture 2010, Istanbul is the fourth largest city in the world. A megacity located on the Bosphorus Strait, encompassing the harbor known as the Golden Horn, Istanbul lies northwest in the country of Turkey and is the only city that uniquely shares two continents from the European and Asian side. Given its special location, Istanbul offers visitors and tourists a multicultural experience unlike any other destination around.

The city boasts 39 districts of which 27 are called the Greater Istanbul. The districts are divided into three main areas:

  • Historic Peninsula is old Istanbul that resonates much of 15th century Constantinople. The area is on the south shores of the Golden Horn, separating the old city from the newer and younger areas of the European side.
  • North of the Golden Horn
  • The districts of Uskudar (ancient Chrysopolis) and Kadikoy (ancient Chalcedon)

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Because Istanbul has a reputation of being a cultural and ethnic “melting pot” some “must see” sites of interest are:

  • Seeing the Mosques of Süleymaniye and Sultan Ahmet (also known as the Blue Mosque);
  • Visiting the Hagia Sophia and Chora Museums;
  • Visiting the Topkapı and Dolmabahçe Palaces and the Rumeli Fortress
  • Taking the ferry up the Bosphorus and to the Princes’ Islands;
  • Watching the panorama of the city from the Galata Tower and the Pierre Loti;
  • Visiting the Ortaköy market;
  • Maiden's (Leander's) Tower, one of the symbols of Istanbul, that was originally built by the ancient Athenian general Alcibiades in 408 BC to monitor the movements of the Persian ships in the Bosphorus strait.
  • Column of Constantine (Turkish: Çemberlitaş), which was erected in 330 by Constantine the Great.
  • Valens Acquiduct
  • The Goths Column
  • The Milion
  • The Great Palace
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Hagia Irene

And these are just a few...

The Turkish cuisine is known for its drinks, coffee, tea, soups, meaty dishes and dessert delights. Istanbul has a nonstop nightlife and beautiful coastline drives along the Marmara and the Princes’ islands. Walks amidst Istanbul’s elaborate parks and gardens are a must.

For more information on Istanbul, please visit:

http://english.istanbul.gov.tr

http://www.icvb.org/