Istanbul Maps

Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and serves as the country's economic, cultural, and historic center. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus strait, the city uniquely spans two continents, with its European side in Thrace and its Asian side in Anatolia. With a metropolitan population exceeding 15.7 million people, Istanbul ranks among the world's most populous urban areas and stands as Turkey's most significant metropolitan region.

The city's strategic location has made it historically important for over two millennia. Originally founded as Byzantion by Greek colonists around 660 BCE, it later became Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire from 330 to 1453 CE. Following the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the city served as the Ottoman Empire's capital until the empire's dissolution after World War I. The modern Republic of Turkey established Ankara as its capital in 1923, though Istanbul retained its status as the country's largest and most influential city.

Istanbul's economy represents approximately one-third of Turkey's total GDP. The city functions as a major financial hub, hosting the headquarters of numerous Turkish corporations and serving as a regional center for international businesses. Key industries include textiles, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals. The service sector, particularly banking, insurance, and tourism, contributes significantly to the local economy.

The city's architectural heritage reflects its diverse historical periods. The Hagia Sophia, originally constructed as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 CE, exemplifies the city's layered history. The Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, showcases classical Ottoman architecture with its six minarets and distinctive blue tiles. The Topkapi Palace served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years and now operates as a museum displaying imperial collections.

Istanbul's transportation infrastructure includes two intercontinental bridges spanning the Bosphorus: the Bosphorus Bridge completed in 1973 and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge opened in 1988. The city operates an extensive public transportation network featuring metro lines, buses, ferries, and the historic tram system. Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2018, serves as a major international aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets, contains approximately 4,000 shops and attracts millions of visitors annually. Cultural institutions include numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues that contribute to Istanbul's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic areas.

The Facts:
Province: Istanbul.
Population: ~ 15,700,000.

Districts of Istanbul: Adalar, Arnavutköy, Ataşehir, Avcılar, Bağcılar, Bahçelievler, Bakırköy, Başakşehir, Bayrampaşa, Beşiktaş, Beykoz, Beylikdüzü, Beyoğlu, Büyükçekmece, Çatalca, Çekmeköy, Esenler, Esenyurt, Eyüpsultan, Fatih, Gaziosmanpaşa, Güngören, Kadıköy, Kağıthane, Kartal, Küçükçekmece, Maltepe, Pendik, Sancaktepe, Sarıyer, Silivri, Sultanbeyli, Sultangazi, Şile, Şişli, Tuzla, Ümraniye, Üsküdar, Zeytinburnu.

Main sights in Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Maiden's Tower, Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Bridge, Ortaköy Mosque, Galata Tower, İstiklal Avenue, Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque, Yedikule Fortress, Fatih Mosque.

Postal codes: 34000 to 34990.
Area code: +90 212, +90 216.

Google Map of Istanbul