Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbulis the largest city inTurkey, with a population of13.9
million, and is among thelargest cities in the world by population
within city limits.
IstanbulTURKEYClimate Winter is colder in Istanbul than in most
other with low temperatures averaging 45C (3941). Spring and autumn
are mild, but often wet and unpredictable.The highest and lowest
temperatures ever recorded in the city are40.5 C(105F)and16.1
C(3F), respectively.
Fog over Istanbul
ArchitectureIstanbul is primarily known for its Byzantine and
Ottoman architecture, but its buildings reflect the various peoples
and empires that have previously ruled the city.
Hagia Sophia
Sultanahmet Mosque
Culture
Istanbul was historically known as a cultural hub, but its
cultural scene stagnated after the Turkish Republic shifted its
focus toward Ankara.The new national government established
programs that served to orient Turks toward musical traditions,
especially those originating in Europe.
Istanbul Archaeology Museums
EconomyWith a GDP ofUS$182 billionin 2008, Istanbul ranked 34th
among the world's urban areas in terms ofgross domestic
product.Istanbul is responsible for27 percentof Turkey's GDP,
with20 percentof the country's industrial labor force residing in
the city.
TheLeventbusiness district is home to Istanbul's tallest
buildings.
Grand Bazaar
TheGrand Bazaar inIstanbulis one of the largest and
oldestcovered marketsin the world, with 61 covered streets and over
3,000 shopswhich attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors
daily.
Bosphorus Bridge
TheBosphorus Bridge, also called theFirst Bosphorus Bridge
inIstanbul; thus connectingEuropeandAsiaIt is 1,560m (5,118ft) long
with a deck width of 33.40m (110ft).The distance between the towers
(main span) is 1,074m (3,524ft) and the total height of the towers
is 165m (541ft).The clearance of the bridge from sea level is 64m
(210ft).
Taksim Square
Taksim Square situated in theEuropeanpart ofIstanbul,is a major
tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and
hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the
central station of theIstanbul Metronetwork.
Topkapi Palace Seen From Harem.
TheTopkap Palace is a large palace inIstanbul,that was the
primary residence of theOttoman Sultansfor approximately 400 years
(1465-1856) of their 624-year reign.Construction began in 1459,
ordered by SultanMehmed II, the conqueror of
ByzantineConstantinople.At its peak, the palace was home to as many
as 4,000 people, and covered a large area with a long
shoreline.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
TheHippodrome of Constantinople was acircusthat was the sporting
and social centre ofConstantinople, capital of theByzantine
Empire.Today it is a square namedSultanahmet Meydan in
theTurkishcity ofIstanbul, with a few fragments of the original
structure surviving.
Main building of Turkish and Islamic Arts MuseumTheTurkish and
Islamic Arts Museum is a museum located inSultanahmet
SquareinFatihdistrict of Istanbul. Constructed in 1524, the
building was formerly the palace ofDamad brahim Pasha, who was the
firstgrand viziertoSuleiman the Magnificent, and husband of the
Sultan's sister.
Basilica Cistern
TheBasilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred
ancientcisternsthat lie beneath the city
ofIstanbul(formerlyConstantinople). The cistern, located 500 feet
(150m) southwest of theHagia Sophiaon the historical peninsula
ofSarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign
ofByzantineEmperorJustinian I.
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