The main cultural and economic center of Turkey, Istanbul is also the country's largest city and port. The city is located on a peninsula between Europe and Asia, and a narrow channel of water called the Bosporus Strait divides the city into European and Asian parts. Istanbul has played a central role in the region's history for many centuries. It was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire for more than 1,000 years before becoming the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Because of this long and important history, in 1985 the historic parts of Istanbul were named a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Places of interestOne of the most famous sites in Istanbul is Topkapi Palace. Built in the 15th century, it was once the home of the sultans, or kings, of the Ottoman Empire. Many small buildings with beautifully decorated interiors are grouped around four courtyards there. Another unique site in the city is the Hippodrome. Now a city park, it was the site of chariot races and other public events when the city was under Roman control. The remains of 5th-century Roman walls also surround parts of Istanbul. One of Istanbul's many well-known religious sites is the Hagia Sophia, a church that dates back to 537 AD. When the city was conquered by the Muslim Turks in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. In 1935 it was made into a museum. Inside are mosaics showing religious scenes. Another important religious site is the Blue Mosque, which was completed in 1616. The mosque gets its name from the blue, white, and green tiles inside. The Grand Bazaar dates back to the mid-15th century. Many types of items, including rugs, gems, old coins, and cloth can be found in the thousands of shops located there. The Archaeological Museums of Istanbul and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art are two of the many museums in Istanbul. EconomyAlthough the capital of Turkey is Ankara, Istanbul is the country's economic center. For example, Turkey's only stock exchange is located there. Textiles, flour, tobacco, cement, and glass are all manufactured in the city. In addition, because Istanbul is the largest port in Turkey, much of the city's economy is tied to trade. Tourism has become an increasingly important part of Istanbul's economy as well. Many people work in hotels and restaurants and as tour guides in order to serve the needs of the numerous visitors to the city. HistoryThe area that is now Istanbul was first settled as fishing villages in about 1000 BC. During its history, Istanbul has gone by two other names—Byzantium and Constantinople. In the 7th century BC the Greek colony of Byzantium was founded on the European side of the Strait of Bosporus. Byzantium was later taken over by the Romans. In 330 AD the Roman emperor Constantine made the city his capital and renamed it Constantinople. At this time, Constantinople became a Christian city. It became the capital of the Byzantine Empire after the Roman Empire fell in the late 5th century. The Ottoman Turks captured the city and brought an end to the Byzantine Empire in 1453. Constantinople became known as Istanbul, and the Turks made it the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Many mosques and other Muslim sites were built in Istanbul during the rule of the Ottoman Turks. By the 18th century, however, the Ottoman Empire began to decline. During World War I (1914–18), Istanbul was occupied by the British. The Ottomans were defeated in the war, and their empire came to an end. In 1923 Turkey's capital was moved from Istanbul to Ankara when the Turkish Republic was created. During the 1980s and 1990s, Istanbul's economy prospered, making it an important city once again. However, in 1999 Istanbul was struck by a powerful earthquake. Tens of thousands of people were killed and many buildings were destroyed in the disaster. At the beginning of the 21st century, Istanbul was rebuilding and tourism was on the rise once again. Population (1997 estimate), 8,260,440. |