Istanbul Population 2024 [Current and Historic]

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 the world’s most populous cities. Nestled between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, this vibrant metropolis has been a beacon for travelers, traders, and empires for centuries.

Istanbul’s population has steadily grown over the years, reflecting the city’s strong appeal and its role as a major cultural and business hub, as well as a top destination for tourists. Its strategic location and diverse opportunities continue to attract people from all over the world. Below is a year-by-year breakdown of Istanbul’s population, showing its continuous expansion.

How Many People Live in Istanbul?

Istanbul’s current population is [2024]: 15,815,231
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute

İstanbul, a Rapidly Growing Metropolis

Istanbul underwent a transformative expansion in the latter half of the 20th century. From 1950 to 2000, the city’s population soared, multiplying tenfold. A significant portion of this growth can be attributed to the broadening of city boundaries, especially during the pivotal period between 1980 and 1985. During these years, the number of residents in Istanbul almost doubled.

Population of Istanbul: Istanbul Bosphorus bridge at night. — How many people live in Istanbul? With a population of nearly 16 million, İstanbul is the most populous city in Europe and the 15th largest city by population in the world. Photo: Bosphorus bridge at night on Deposit Photos

This impressive surge was predominantly driven by individuals from eastern Turkey, who flocked to the city, lured by the promise of job opportunities and a better standard of living. Intriguingly, Istanbul is now home to more people originating from several northern and eastern provinces than those provinces themselves. For instance, Sivas and Kastamonu have each contributed over half a million individuals to Istanbul’s burgeoning population.

Every year, Istanbul welcomes close to 200,000 new immigrants, a significant portion of whom hail from Turkey’s own rural villages. This consistent influx ensures that the city remains in a perpetual state of evolution, constantly adapting and transforming its landscape, infrastructure, and culture to accommodate the needs and aspirations of its newest residents.

This phrase indicates that due to the continuous inflow of new residents to the city, there’s a consistent demand for housing and commercial spaces. As a result, construction projects for both residential homes and business structures are perpetually underway. The city witnesses a relentless building activity to cater to the accommodation needs of the ever-growing population and the commercial demands of an expanding urban economy. This continuous construction not only reshapes the city’s skyline but also impacts its infrastructure, economy, and urban planning strategies.

Istanbul population graph [100 AD – 2024]

Istanbul population graph [1980-2024]

Istanbul population graph [2000-2024]

Istanbul population graph [2007-2024], year by year

The population of Istanbul, year by year

15,815,231
16,067,031
15,907,951
15,840,900
15,462,452
15,519,267
15,067,724
15,029,231
14,804,116
14,657,434
14,377,018
14,160,467
13,854,740
13,624,240
13,255,685
12,915,158
12,697,164
12,573,836

The population of Istanbul in the years between 1925-2000

2000: 8,831,800
1997: 8,260,400
1994: 7,615,500
1990: 6,620,200
1985: 5,494,900
1980: 2,853,500
1975: 2,547,400
1970: 2,132,400
1965: 1,743,000
1960: 1,459,500 Istanbul’s population goes over one million for the first time in history
1950: 983,000
1945: 845,300
1940: 793,900
1935: 740,800
1927: 691,000
1925: 881,000 The first census after the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye. In 1923, following the aftermath of World War I and the Turkish War of Independence, the Ottoman Empire dissolved. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spearheaded reforms, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye on October 29. This pivotal transformation marked the birth of modern Turkey as a secular, nation-state.

The population of Istanbul before the modern Republic of Türkiye

1900: 942,900
1890: 874,000
1860: 715,000
1815: 500,000
1700: 700,000
1550: 660,000
1500: 220,000
1453: 45,000 [Fall of Constantinople. Ottoman Empire, led by Sultan Mehmed II, successfully besieged and captured the Byzantine Empire’s capital. This monumental event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire, concluding a millennium-long era and paving the way for the Ottomans’ dominance in southeastern Europe]
1350: 80,000
1261: 100,000 [Latin Empire]
1200: 200,000
1100: 400,000
1000: 500,000
9th century: 250,000
8th century: 500,000
7th century: 350,000
541: 500,000 [Plague of Justinian. It killed at least a fifth of the population in the imperial capital. Originating in Asia and reaching Constantinople through infected rats on grain ships, it decimated the Byzantine Empire, killing millions in total. This pandemic persisted intermittently for over two centuries, weakening Byzantine defenses and contributing to its decline.]
500: 400,000
361: 300,000
100: 36,000