Istanbul [antikvár]

welcome to istanbul Located in the centre of the old world, Istanbul is an important metropolis famous for its historic monuments and magnificent scenic beauty. It is the only city in the world that spreads onto two continents. Situated in the region where Europe and Asia are separated by a narrow strait, the Bosphorus, it has a history both colourful and dynamic, of 2,500 years. Following the establishment of the city at this point of separation of the two continents where the land and sea embrace each other, the area gained strategic importance and soon became a centre for trade and commerce. The historic city of Istanbul is located on a peninsula flanked on three sides by the Sea of Marmara, the entrance to the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the capital of three great empires: the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. During those 1,600 years, more than 120 emperors and sultans reigned in the city. No other city in the world can claim such grandeur. During its development, the city was enlarged four times, and each time the city walls were built more towards the west. The city of Istanbul surrounded by the 5th century Roman city walls, spreads over seven hills, and the mosques built by the Ottoman sultans on these hills, adorn the city like crowns. The skyline of the city appears serene, majestic and beautiful from every direction. The Golden Horn, which is an unusually secure natural harbour, played a very important role in the development of the city throughout its history. Everyday life goes on in all its vitality amid the shadows cast by the Turkish, Byzantine and Roman monuments. Istanbul is the most crowded city in Turkey. Its population is almost 6 million. It is also the most dynamic in trade, import and export, industry, entertainment; shopping and cultural activities. Although the areas of settilement have changed significantly over the ages, due to the geography and the topography of the region, the squares, avenues and monnumental