Istanbul has become famous worldwide as the “city of cats” in recent years. And it’s true; there are hundreds of thousands* of stray cats in Istanbul, and many of them live better, are better fed, and even receive healthcare at…
Istanbul is famously known as the “City on the Seven Hills” (Yedi Tepeli Şehir in Turkish), a title inherited from Byzantine Constantinople. Like ancient Rome, Constantinople was traditionally regarded as a city built on seven hills, reflecting its historical connection…
Some people, particularly those who have never visited Turkey, imagine it as a hot, dry country covered in deserts. While parts of Turkey have arid or semi-arid climates, the country as a whole is far from being a desert. In…
Among the many origin stories attached to Istanbul, few are as durable as the tale of Byzas and the “land of the blind.” According to the familiar version, Byzas, the legendary founder of Byzantium, consulted the Oracle at Delphi before…
![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, 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…
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…
The short and honest answer is no, most cats you see on the streets of Istanbul are not vaccinated.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…