A Living Border Between Two Worlds: The City that Changed History.
There are places that witness the passage of time, and others that shape it. This city, with its privileged location, not only connects two continents but also. It was the epicenter of empires that dominated the world and today remains as a vibrant jewel, where modernity and tradition intertwine in a unique way. Its legacy is as deep as it is fascinating.
A Bridge Between Europe and Asia
Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents: Europe and Asia. Separated by the Bosphorus Strait, this Turkish metropolis combines cultures, languages, and religions that for centuries intersected in its geography. Although not the official capital of Turkey, it is the largest urban center and the most influential economically and culturally.
Thanks to its location, it has been for millennia a key piece, serving as a link between East and West. Since ancient times, this privileged geographical position attracted traders, conquerors, and sages from all over the world, consolidating its role as the heart of commercial, intellectual, and political routes.
Capital of Three Legendary Empires
The history of Istanbul cannot be separated from imperial power. This city was the seat of three of humanity’s empires: the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.
Founded in 657 BC by Greek settlers under the name of Byzantium, its importance grew exponentially when the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great chose it as the new capital of the Eastern Roman Empire in 330 AD, renaming it Constantinople. From then on, it became one of the most influential cities in the Christian world for over a thousand years.
Living Heritage of Ancient Cultures
Istanbul is not only a living city but also a guardian of its memory. The influence of Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans has left an indelible mark on its architecture, art, and identity.
The city is full of monuments that tell its history: the majestic Hagia Sophia, which has been a church, mosque, and museum; the Blue Mosque, a symbol of Ottoman power; the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of sultans; and the Theodosian walls, which once defended the most powerful city in the world.
