Istanbul is the most highly populated city in Europe and has 27 districts. The city is an important port, and has been a centre of trade for ages. Interestingly, the city is partly in Europe and partly in Asia, with the Bosphorus Strait between. This gives the city a dual character which makes it particularly fascinating.

In ancient times, Istanbul was known as Byzantium; it has also been called Constantinople. Istanbul is also called the City of Seven Hills, since the most ancient part of this city was built on seven hills.

The city has been the capital of several empires - the Roman Empire between 330 and 395 AD, the Byzantine Empire between 395 and 204 AD as well as between 1261 and 1493, the Latin Empire from 1204 to 1261, the Ottoman Empire between 1453 and1922. More recently, it was selected as one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2010. Some parts of Istanbul are World Heritage sites.

As far as climate goes, there are four seasons in Istanbul. There is a short, cool spring in April and May, which lingers on into June as well. In July and August, temperatures rise to about 30° C and the atmosphere becomes humid. Autumn starts in September and goes on till December, while winters are between December and March – not very cold, with an average temperature of 5° C. There is very little snow.

Istanbul has two seas bordering it - the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

This Turkish city is full of interesting things to see. Visitors can see a range of fascinating castles and palaces, mosques and churches, museums and ancient hammams or baths. The particularly interesting areas in the city of Istanbul are Uskudar, Sultanahmet, Haydarpasa, Eyup, Eminönü, Taksim, Bosphorous, Galata, Ortaköy and Peraplas, all of which are well worth exploration. If you’re looking for a relaxing option, try the Princess Islands in summer.
More and more tourists are flocking to Istanbul every year, finding it a great destination for a perfect holiday.