Natalie Whether you plan to visit, buy property, or live here, an introduction to Istanbul city is a good start. But understanding Turkey’s largest city would take years, given its historical and present importance. From early Greek settlers to the current-day Turkish Republic, Istanbul is an alpha city, easily matching Rome, Milan, New York, and London.
To emphasise the point, Turkish people say that if the city were to fall, the country of Turkey would halt. While prayer times sound out five times daily, life is as busy and fast-paced as ever—an ever-revolving circle of business deals and people coming and going. But what we will do in this article is give the basics that outline this marvellous city.
Introduction to Istanbul city – The Heart of Turkey
1: Brief History over the Centuries
Founded in the 7th century BC, the Roman emperor Septimius Severus later built the Hippodrome. Then, to effectively replace Rome, Constantine the Great made it his imperial capital. This lasted from 330 to 1453, but the 15th century ushered in significant change.
The Ottomans, led by Mehmed II, invaded and took over, basing their ruling capital at the Topkapi palace. The city was prominent on the old Silk Road for centuries, attracting people worldwide. But by the 18th century, Ottoman Turks started to falter, and people were increasingly disenchanted.
The Ottomans lost during the First World War, and Allied forces took over. This then prompted the Turkish War of Independence. In 1923, the newly formed Turkish Republic took over. Realising the past mistakes of previous empires to base their ruling capital surrounded by seas, they moved the capital city inland, Ankara.
There have been three names for the city. Greek settlers called the metropolis Byzantium, but the name changed to Constantinople under Emperor Constantine in 330 CE. The current name came about after the formation of the new Turkish Republic.
2: City Layout on Two Continents
Istanbul is the only city on two continents. 5% belongs to Europe and 95% to Asia Minor. The European side famously splits into two halves, partially separated by the Golden Horn. The Sultanahmet neighbourhood was the ruling centre of two former empires, the Byzantine, and Ottomans.
The new part, which centres around the Beyoglu and Taksim area, features Istiklal Avenue, Turkey’s longest street. In addition, the Princes Islands are famous for day trips and luxury property purchases. Altogether, 39 districts and hundreds of neighbourhoods across the larger province are popular with overseas businesses and real estate investors.
3: Bosphorus Water Strait and Bridges
Over time, several empires fought to gain control because of the Bosphorus Strait. Stretching from the Marmara Sea into the Black Sea, Turkey’s most crucial shipping lane separates the two continents. These days, tourists take ferry tours to see coastal landmarks, namely Yali mansions, dating from Ottoman times that belonged to inner royal circles. Due to the number of ships passing through, the Turkish government proposed a canal.
What has made this city for centuries is an ever-driving ambition to navigate the Bosphorus, both on it, around it, and under it. Becoming an iconic landmark, the Bosphorus Bridge, now called the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, first opened in 1973. Connecting the Besiktas district, the bridge appears in many travel magazines. Another famous bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge, opened in 1988.
4: Tourism in Istanbul
According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Istanbul outranked London and Dubai for international arrivals last year, hosting 20 million people, not including domestic tourists. Most people visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Still, Istanbul excels in shopping and nightlife, making it the perfect city break destination. While most people visit European landmarks, the Asian side has become popular as more people seek to get off the beaten track.
5: Istanbul New Airport
Often called the most ambitious mega project by Turkish authorities, the new airport aims to be the biggest and handles flights from over 350 destinations from 114 countries worldwide. Turkish Airlines has its central hub and office districts there, and last year, it handled 76 million passengers. Known for the tulip-shaped airport control tower, and with construction taking place over four stages, by the completion date in 2027, the airport wants to be number one for both size and passenger traffic. The airport replaced the previous Ataturk Airport, which now accepts cargo and private jets. The other airport, Sabiha Gokcen, is on the Asian side. (About the new airport.)
6: Eurasia and Marmary Tunnels
As if the airport were not enough, Turkey built the Eurasia Tunnel under the Bosphorus to alleviate growing traffic and improve its public transport system. First opening in 2016, the 5-kilometre tunnel journey takes five minutes. Three years before that tunnel opened, Turkey also built the Marmary tunnel under the Bosphorus for train services run by Turkish State Railways.
7: Demographics, Culture and Foreign Residents
Istanbul houses 19% of Turkey’s population. Of that, 64% live on the European side, and 36% live in Asian districts. However, only 28% of the population is initially from the city. People have migrated from other parts of Turkey for decades, especially the east, for work. Additionally, when Turkey modernised and opened itself roughly 25 years ago, foreigners flocked to live, work and study.
Approximately 34% of Turkey’s foreign residents live in Istanbul. The foreign presence is nothing new. During Ottoman times, Jewish communities settled mainly in the Galata district. One look at the culinary scenes, and you will see foreign cuisines on every corner, including Middle Eastern cuisine, that influenced Ottoman Turkish cuisine.
8: Famous Streets and Shopping Malls
Like any other global city, several famous streets, including Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu and the Asian Bagdat Street, attract thousands daily. French Street in Beyoglu is renowned for quaint cafes and live music. Nispetiye Street features the prestigious Akmerkez shopping mall. Abdi Ipekci Street in the Nisantasi quarter is one of Turkey’s most expensive places to buy a house. The best malls include Istinye Park Shopping Mall, Cevahir Shopping Mall, Zorlu Centre, Forum, and Aqua Florya. (Popular streets in Istanbul.)
9: Famous Landmark Buildings and Architecture
Generally, to see old Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, head to Sultanahmet. Roman influence exists in the Valens Aqueduct, the Column of Constantine, and the Hippodrome. The buildings surrounding Istiklal Avenue in Beyoglu often feature 19th—and 20th-century Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture. Meanwhile, new and modern architecture is everywhere, from large shopping malls to tall skyscrapers and other buildings like the Ataturk Cultural Centre on Taksim Square.
Hagia Sophia: Turkey’s most talked-about and visited landmark is the Hagia Sophia, known for its enormous dome. Originally built as a cathedral during Byzantine times, in the 15th century, the Ottomans converted the building into a mosque. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk turned the building into a museum when the new Turkish Republic was founded. These days, it is again somewhere for Muslims to pray, but still open for tourists.
Blue Mosque: Sitting directly opposite, the 17th-century Blue Mosque, designed by a student of architect Mimar Sinan, is another iconic landmark and former imperial place of worship for sultans. Because of their cultural and architectural importance, this place of worship and other neighbouring landmarks are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Basilica Cistern: Once visited by Mark Twain and featured in numerous films, this underground water reservoir once served the Byzantine palace. What makes the landmark famous are hundreds of supporting columns and two Medusa heads.
Dolmabahce Palace: After you have seen Topkapi Palace, visit Dolmabahce Palace in Besiktas. As the Ottoman Empire’s last home, it was famously built during the 20th century when the Sultan ran out of money.
Çamlıca Tower: Also called Çamlıca TV Radio Tower (Çamlıca Kulesi in Turkish), this telecommunications and observation tower’s architecture reflects the famous Ottoman tulip. It is the tallest building in Turkey.
Maidens Tower: From 1110 CE, the tower has been a watchtower, lighthouse, and quarantine station. Urban legends say a prophecy foretold that a man’s beloved daughter would die from a snake bite. The sultan built the tower to protect her. But a snake hidden in a basket of fruit ultimately bit her. Combining Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, the white tower, capped with a conical roof and terrace, is now a restaurant reached by water taxi.
Haydar Pasa Train Station in Asian Kadikoy: Built by German architects Otto Ritter and Helmut Conu in 1909 for train services to Europe, trains stopped in 2012 because of the Marmaray rail project and high-speed railway upgrades. But the station is still the heart of many locals.
Grand Bazaar: The 15th-century Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered market, has 4,000 shops across 61 streets and attracts up to 400,000 visitors daily. It offers everything from jewellery and textiles to spices and souvenirs. Another famous landmark, the Spice Bazaar, sits nearby.
10: Bosphorus Mansions and Housing Markets
Also known as Yali houses, these homes are Turkey’s most expensive. The architecture style is no longer used, and since they date from former Ottoman royalty, they are under protection status. Some are private residences, others were converted into hotels or museums, but all can be seen from Bosphorus tours. For example, in 2015, the Erbilgin mansion made international fame when the Erbilgin family sold the property for €100 million. Zeki Pasa Mansion commands excellent fame. (About Yali mansions.)
These days, Istanbul is the most popular place for both Turks and foreigners to buy property. The real estate market is an ever-revolving circle of sales. Due to the government’s plans to modernise all areas for housing, most sales happen in the outskirt districts, where new buildings are shaping neighbourhoods for the future. (See property in Istanbul here.)
11: Mosques and the Seven Hills
Like ancient Rome, Istanbul was built on seven hills, covering the historical peninsula that is today the Fatih district. All hills are home to at least one mosque. (Fun fact – Istanbul has the most mosques in Turkey.)
- First Hill: This historic peninsula, which hosts Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, and Hagia Irene, attracts most tourists.
- Second Hill: This is where to see Nuruosmaniye Mosque and Grand Bazaar, where Turkish culture shines.
- Third Hill: It includes Suleymaniye Mosque, an iconic masterpiece by Mimar Sinan dedicated to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Sehzade Mosque is another stunning building in honour of Sultan Süleyman’s son.
- Fourth Hill: Includes the Zeyrek and Fatih Mosques, built on the Holy Apostles Byzantine Church site, where several Byzantine emperors were buried.
- Fifth: Landmarks include Yavuz Selim Mosque, which has panoramic golden horn views. The surrounding area features traditional neighbourhoods and architectural styles.
- Sixth: Edirne Kapi features Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, built by Mimar Sinan for Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, and the old Byzantine city walls. This highest hill was a defensive point in history.
- Seventh: Kocamustafapaşa Mosque, formerly the Church of St. Andrew, is based here.
12: Well-known Neighbourhoods
Sultanahmet: As the historical heart and most iconic neighbourhood, this is where most tourists head first. Expect to see tour guides and long queues at attractions. There are countless hotels and restaurants, so tourists never want for anything.
Beyoğlu: As the entertainment and shopping hub, glimpses of the past also sit on every corner, alongside the street performances. Aside from new and old shopping choices, iconic landmarks include the Pera Museum, Pera Palace Hotel, Saint Anthony of Padua church, and Flower Passage. Cihangir bohemian neighbourhood is popular with artists and ex-pats, while Cukurcuma is known for antique shops.
Kadikoy: Asian Kadikoy is famed as a major ferry port and university hub. As does the Moda area, the landmark fish market attracts locals and tourists for sunset views and street food vendors. Bahariye Street, lined with boutiques and cafes, is ideal for strolls, as is Fenerbahce Park.
Üsküdar: Sitting next to Kadikoy, Üsküdar, a famous ferry port and home to Çamlıca Hill, also includes the Kuzguncuk neighbourhood, which earns fame for old houses and Turkish coffee in waterfront cafes.
Galata: Located near Beyoğlu, this Turkish delight features the iconic tower, Jewish synagogues, wine boutiques, and steep cobblestone streets. Sitting near Galata Bridge, it heads to the other European side called the historical peninsula. In the Galataport area, where cruise ships dock, Istanbul’s modern art museums host millions of tourists annually.
Balat and Fener: Called the historic Jewish and Greek quarters, these districts are known for their colourful houses and steep streets. The Patriarchate of Constantinople, the centre of the Orthodox Christian world, is based here. Tour operators run day trips to these districts.
Ortaköy: This waterfront district is famous for two reasons: the iconic mosque and Kumpir Alley, where vendors sell thousands of baked potatoes daily. Street markets sell various arts and crafts.
Arnavutkoy and Bebek: Earning fame from Ottoman houses and seaside fish restaurants sit side by side and are where wealthy people live. Prices of homes in this area are steep since it has prestigious status.
Eyüp: Maintaining a more conservative atmosphere, Eyup attracts families and is a sacred neighbourhood for Muslims since the Eyup Sultan Mosque and cemetery are here. A cable car takes passengers to Pierre Loti Hill for amazing views of the Golden Horn.
Nisantasi: Last in our article of this introduction to Istanbul city is this upmarket district that excels in fine living and luxury. It features Cevahir Mall, one of Europe’s largest shopping malls, and the Military Museum. (More about prominent neighbourhoods.)
About Us
We are Spot Blue International and help people invest in property throughout Turkey. If you want to know more about foreign ownership or would like to receive a portfolio of apartments and villas, contact us here to find out more about Istanbul in Turkey.
