About Istanbul

Istanbul is a major metropolis at the heart of the old world, known for its historical monuments and stunning natural scenery. Situated at the narrow strait separating Asia and Europe, it uniquely spans both continents and is the only city in the world divided by a sea. With a history of over 2,500 years, Istanbul has been a key trade center since its establishment at this strategic crossroads of land and sea routes. The historic city of Istanbul lies on a peninsula encircled by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn.

Istanbul is one of the few cities that has been the capital of three major empires and has consistently remained an economic center throughout history. Although it did not become the capital of the new republic established in 1923, it has continued to be an economic hub, never losing its crucial role in shaping the country's future. Istanbul plays a central role in both domestic and international trade, accounting for about 23% of Turkey's gross national product.

In recent years, Istanbul's industrial sector has been replaced by sectors such as management, finance, tourism, services, and banking. Despite this transition, Istanbul remains at the heart of the financial markets. Thanks to its geographical location, the first four hours of Istanbul's business day overlap with Asian countries, while the next four hours overlap with European countries, giving it a natural advantage as a financial hub. Additionally, Istanbul is central to the country's air transportation. Alongside Atatürk Airport, Pendik Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side also serves the city.

Out of the 153 museums in Turkey, 14 are located in Istanbul, where 34% of the 2.4 million artifacts found in these museums are on display.