4th World Mayors' Summit

İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Video

Watch | istanbul.wmv | 5 mb

Download | istanbul.rar | 36 mb

For many centuries İstanbul was the capital of the civilized world. Today it exists as the heartbeat of Turkey and is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It is a glorious metropolis with about 12 million residents within the city proper, and is the only city in the world that lies on two continents - both Europe and Asia.

FACTS
Area: 5.712 km²
Population: 12.133.000
Traffic Code: 34

"It is there where God and human, nature and art come together. They have created such a perfect place which is a valuable sight." Lamartine's famous poetic lines reveal his love for İstanbul, describing the embracing of two continents, with one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe.

İstanbul, once known as “the capital of capitals”, has many unique features. Not only is it the only city in the world to straddle two continents, it is also the only one that has been the capital of two consecutive empires -Byzantine and Ottoman. The capital of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, İstanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural center of Turkey, and its beauty lies in its ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly all co-exist here.

İstanbul's variety is one of its greatest attractions: the ancient mosques, churches, palaces, museums and bazaars reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim buzzes with life and entertainment. And the serene beauty of the Bosphorus, the Princes’ Islands and the city’s parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis.

Please visit the link below for further information about İstanbul

http://www.ibb.gov.tr/en-US/KenteBakis/IstanbulGuide/