Although the Republic of Turkey established its capital in Ankara, palaces and imperial mosques still line Istanbul's hills as visible reminders of the city's previous central role. The historic centre of Istanbul is …

Dec 25, 2025 · Istanbul, largest city and principal seaport of Turkey. Historically known as Byzantium and then Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

Istanbul is a city that mixes old and new, and the best way to explore it is through its mahalles (neighborhoods). Get your history fix in Beyoğlu—it’s chock-full of 19th-century European …

Aug 1, 2025 · Discover the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey, which include exploring the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Topkapi Palace and cruising down the Bosphorus Strait.

Istanbul is a city steeped in history and culture, straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Once known as Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today, it's …

From the Hagia Sophia to the Topkapi Palace, discover the Old City, Bazaar District and more in our Istanbul travel guide. Find top attractions and expert tips.

The most populous city in Europe, Istanbul forms the financial and cultural center of Turkey and confidently straddles the borders between Asia and Europe as it has for millennia: this is the result …