How Big is Istanbul?

Istanbul from space, December 10, 2017

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest and most populous city, spans both Europe and Asia. Istanbul’s urban area covers approximately 2,576.85 km² (994.93 square miles), placing it among the world’s largest cities in terms of surface area. This expansive urban landscape is home…

The Origin of Istanbul Name

Istanbul, historic peninsula

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…