The Oldest Video of Istanbul: Alexandre Promio’s 1897 Film
![Colorized frame from the oldest video of istanbul [1897] showing the old Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, with wooden structures, boats on the water, pedestrians on the bridge, and the Historic Peninsula with domes and minarets in the background](https://cityofistanbul.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Panorama-Golden-Horn-Alexandre-Promio-1897-oldest-video-Istanbul-768x432.jpg)
This 1897 film shot by Alexandre Promio is generally accepted as the oldest surviving moving image footage of Istanbul that we know today.
Istanbul Population: Current [January 2026] and Historic
Istanbul, one of the most populous cities in the world (its population is over 15 million as of 2026), where the continents of Europe and Asia seamlessly blend, is not just a historical and cultural gem but also one of…
Did Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi Really Fly from Galata Tower to Üsküdar?
Few stories capture the imagination of Istanbul as powerfully as the tale of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi (or Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi), the man said to have flown across the Bosphorus in the 17th century. According to the legend, Hezarfen launched himself…
Are Cats in Istanbul Vaccinated?
The short and honest answer is no, most cats you see on the streets of Istanbul are not vaccinated.
Our First Hike with Zeytin the Rescue Dog in Belgrad Forest
In late 2025, our sanctuary welcomed a new soul: Zeytin (which means Olive in English), a young pit bull whose life was almost cut short before it had a real chance to begin. Her story did not start with cruelty…
Water Buffalo of Istanbul: Photos from Çiftalan Village Show the City’s Hidden Buffalo Culture
Ensuring sustainable food security depends on the strength of a nation’s agricultural sector and the long-term policies that guide it. In Turkey, agriculture remains one of the most strategic parts of the economy. Even though its share in national income…
The Four Seasons of Belgrade Forest
Belgrade Forest (also known as the Belgrad Forest) is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most treasured natural refuges; a place where the city’s noise fades into birdsong, shifting wind, and the rustle of oak and chestnut trees. Watching this forest…
Golden November Walks in Istanbul’s Belgrad Forest with Rescue Cats and Dogs
In April 2025, I wrote about Lady, a gentle dog my father had been caring for since 2016. When she was about to be taken away by the municipal teams in Silivri, my brother and I rushed to rescue her…
Istanbul’s Twin Towns and Sister Cities [Complete List]
Cities around the world form formal partnerships known as sister cities or twin towns, long-term relationships designed to promote cultural exchange, cooperation, and mutual understanding. These agreements often grow out of shared history, economic interests, or a desire to strengthen…
Road Cycling in Istanbul
Previously, I wrote an article titled “Road Cycling in Istanbul” for the website Cycling Passion. The article was predominantly in a Q&A format. Now, for 2025, I wanted to revisit and expand on that article. A lot has changed in…
A Hike in the Belgrad Forest with Lady the Rescue Dog and Cats
The first cool winds of autumn have begun to move through the Belgrad Forest of Istanbul. The air is crisp, but the sunlight still carries the last warmth of summer – that golden, mellow light that filters gently through the…
The Tragic Story Behind a Sad Turkish Song [Gamzedeyim Deva Bulmam]
Every song has a story, often reflecting a hidden tale of love, longing, or loss. Gamzedeyim Deva Bulmam (“I Am Wounded, I Find No Cure”) is one such composition, born from the sorrows of Kemani* Tatyos Efendi, one of the…