Thousands of websites, blogs, and social media posts cite the quote, “If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital,” attributing it to Napoleon Bonaparte. Despite its widespread popularity, no historical evidence exists that Napoleon ever said…
In 330 AD, Roman emperor Constantine the Great made a monumental decision that would shape the course of history: he chose the ancient city of Byzantium as the new capital of the Roman Empire, later renaming it Constantinople. This choice…
You’ve come to Istanbul for a meeting, work appointment, or vacation, and you only have one free day. Where should you go, and what can you see in just one day in Istanbul? Last September, I hosted a guest from…
There’s something I’ve observed in people living in Istanbul (and many others have observed it too): once someone settles in this city, they either can’t leave or find it very difficult to leave and even if they do, after some…
A stunning photo from the 1950s showing Ortaköy and the Bosphorus: not only can you see these two locations, but you can also spot the Maiden’s Tower, the Historic Peninsula, Hagia Sophia, and Üsküdar in the picture. Another interesting feature…
Istanbul, historically known as Byzantium and later as Constantinople, served as the capital of two powerful empires: the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire) and the Ottoman Empire. For over a millennium, it was a political, cultural, and economic center that…
A nostalgic photo of Istanbul, likely from the 1980s, shows the Ülev passenger ferry departing from the Karaköy pier. The image evokes a sense of the city’s rich maritime history, with the ferry gliding through the waters of the Bosphorus,…
In 1971, the majestic SS France ocean liner made a rare visit to Istanbul. This extraordinary event was captured in a unique photograph, showcasing the elegant liner against the backdrop of the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus and the iconic…
The name “Istanbul” has a rich and complex history, reflecting the city’s long and varied past. It probably comes from the Greek phrase “στὴν Πόλι” [stimˈboli], meaning “to the city”, or “in the city,” reinterpreted as a single word; a…
Istanbul offers more than just its popular tourist attractions. Numerous hidden gems go beyond the typical guidebook recommendations for travelers eager to experience this vibrant city like an “active” local. Here I picked four non-touristy activities that reveal a different…
Istanbul, one of the most populous cities in the world (its population is over 15 million as of 2024) where the continents of Europe and Asia seamlessly blend, is not just a historical and cultural gem, but also one of…
A 1956 photo of the Bosphorus. The photo was taken from the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The Bosphorus, boats, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Dolmabahçe Mosque can be seen in the photo.