 |
 |
|
 |
Luxury Travel Destinations
Destinations > Istanbul, Turkey: Home
Istanbul, Turkey
City Facts
| Istanbul Population | 9,760,000 *
|
| Turkey Population | 73,302,000 *
|
| Currency | Turkish Lira (TRL)
|
| Time Zone | GMT + 2 hours
|
| Language | Turkish
|
*Source: UN Population Division 2005 estimate
| |  |
|
|
|
| Luxury Travel Leading Luxury Destinations
|
|
Istanbul HomeHotelsAttractionsMapsPicturesRestaurantsWeather
Istanbul Home
Introduction
Istanbul has a glorious history, some of it acquired under its previous names of Byzantium and Constantinople. The ancient city was founded by a man named Byzas, from the prompting of the oracle at Delphi, around 657 B.C. Today Istanbul is a huge metropolis connecting continents, cultures, and religions and is home to around eleven million people and is one of the greatest business and cultural centres in Turkey. Managing to evoke the past with traditional bazaars but still offering modern facilities, Istanbul is a fascinating place to visit.
Arts and Events
Different events are held throughout the year in Istanbul, notably the International Istanbul Film Festival in April and the Conquest of Constantinople celebrations in May. Music lovers may enjoy June's International Istanbul Music Festival and International Istanbul Jazz Festival.
The Topkapi Sarayi was the residency of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years after its construction in 1453. Its ornately gilded and marbled interior was the perfect setting for the dramas of the Ottoman Empire, and there appears to be a room for every event and every occasion, from a Circumcision Room to a cloakroom for Prophet Mohammed's cloak.
|
|
 |
| |
