Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and cultural capital, straddling two continents across the Bosphorus Strait. Once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, it's a city of stunning mosques, grand bazaars, and vibrant neighborhoods blending East and West.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Istanbul.
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1
Greek Byzantium
Founded circa 657 BC by Greek colonists from Megara led by Byzas. Strategic location controlling Bosphorus trade made it prosperous. Came under Roman control in 73 AD.
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2
Constantinople - Capital of Christendom
Emperor Constantine I dedicated the city as his new capital on May 11, 330 AD. Under Justinian I in the 6th century, it became the world's largest city with up to 800,000 inhabitants. Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD.
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3
Latin Empire (Crusader Occupation)
The Fourth Crusade sacked Constantinople in 1204, establishing the Latin Empire and looting the city. Byzantine Empire survived in exile at Nicaea until 1261.
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4
Late Byzantine Constantinople
The restored Byzantine Empire was a shadow of its former glory, reduced to Constantinople and its immediate surroundings. The extraordinary Chora Church mosaics were created in this period.
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5
Ottoman Conquest of Constantinople
After a 53-day siege, 21-year-old Sultan Mehmed II breached the Theodosian Walls. The last Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI died fighting. Mehmed immediately converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque and declared the city the new Ottoman capital.
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6
Ottoman Istanbul - Capital of an Empire
For 470 years, Istanbul was capital of the Ottoman Empire at its peak stretching from Morocco to Persia. The city reached its greatest glory under Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566). Great architect Sinan built the Suleymaniye Mosque among hundreds of other buildings.
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7
Modern Istanbul
Republic of Turkey established in 1923; capital moved to Ankara. Istanbul remained Turkey's economic and cultural capital. Population grew from 1 million to 15+ million through mass rural migration. Hagia Sophia became a museum (1934) then reconverted to mosque (2020).
Historical sites
Places where Istanbul's past comes alive.
Hagia Sophia
Where: Sultanahmet
Admission: Free (mosque entry)
Topkapi Palace
Where: Sultanahmet
Admission: $15 adults; Harem additional $8
Theodosian Land Walls
Where: Fatih district
Admission: Free
Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square)
Where: Sultanahmet
Admission: Free
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)
Where: Sultanahmet
Admission: $12 adults
Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)
Where: Edirnekapı, Fatih
Admission: Free (mosque); some mosaic sections may have fee
Dolmabahce Palace
Where: Besiktas
Admission: $18 adults (guided tours only)
Galata Tower
Where: Karakoy, Beyoglu
Admission: $10 adults