Istanbul, the former Constantinople, is the largest and most populous city in Turkey, which serves as the cultural and economic center of the country. In 2018, Istanbul’s population was reported to be approximately 15,067,724, making it the second largest metropolitan area in the Middle East after Cairo. In addition, Istanbul is the largest urban area in Europe.
Istanbul, which is located at the intersection of the Bosphorus Strait, the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, is the only big city in the world that spans two continents, Asia and Europe. The Bosphorus strait separates these two continents, and Istanbul is the only city that spans both continents.
One of Istanbul’s natural harbors is the Golden Horn, which is a branch of the Bosphorus. This city is rich in history, culture and architecture and has many landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world.
