Augusta, Antonina, Nova Roma, Byzantion, Byzantium, Constantinople and finally Istanbul… These exciting names reminds the mysterious and enchanting past of the city. Istanbul can be considered as the combination of the old and modern city, as well as Islamic and Mediterranean mixture of cultures in a captivating atmosphere. There are only few cities in the world that can be so delightful to experience and enjoy as Istanbul.

A quick look at Istanbul’s features

more than 8,500 years of history,
capital of 3 glorious empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires,
a magical composition of two continents, two Worlds, the East and the West,
Islamic and Mediterranean mixture of cultures in a captivating atmosphere,
population of more than 15 million,
one of world’s main air traffic hubs with 2 international airports,
5th most visited city in the world,
2010 European Capital of Culture,
2012 European Capital of Sport,
one of world’s leading congress destination,
connecting 2 continents; Europe and Asia,
more than 75 museums,
more than 100 lively shopping malls, and 4 historic bazaars,
5 imperial palaces, and many summer palaces, pavilions and mansions,
huge transportation network of metro, subway, tram, buses, ferries, sea-buses, etc,
4 seasons throughout the year.