Istanbul’s story begins more than 2,600 years ago, when Greek settlers from Megara founded a small city called Byzantium around 660 BC. Thanks to its prime location at the entrance of the Bosphorus Strait, Byzantium quickly grew into a wealthy trading hub connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Control of this waterway meant control of the region’s trade and naval power – something empires would fight over for centuries.

In 330 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great recognized the city’s potential and declared it the new capital of the Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople. Over the next 1,100 years, it became the heart of the Byzantine Empire, a center of art, religion, and politics. Monumental structures like Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome were constructed, showcasing the empire’s power.

Constantinople’s wealth and strategic location made it a target for invaders. The city withstood countless sieges until 1453, when Sultan Mehmed II of the Ottoman Empire conquered it after a legendary 53-day siege. This victory marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of Istanbul’s transformation into the Ottoman capital.

Under Ottoman rule, the city thrived as a political and cultural center for over 400 years. Grand mosques, bustling bazaars, opulent palaces, and public baths were built, giving the city much of its iconic skyline. The Ottomans also invested heavily in infrastructure, from aqueducts to bridges, and Istanbul became a true crossroads of East and West.

In 1923, when the Republic of Turkey was founded, the capital moved to Ankara, but Istanbul remained the nation’s cultural and economic powerhouse. Today, it’s a vibrant metropolis where ancient history meets modern life, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to explore its diverse neighborhoods, rich heritage, and timeless beauty.