Formerly known as Constantinople, and before that as Byzantium, Istanbul was founded at a crossroad between Europe and Asia, Christianity and Islam. It was the capital city of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires and briefly the capital city of the Turkish Republic, each opening the city's doors to friends and firmly shutting them to enemies. The city was attacked more than 60 times. In ancient times, the Greeks, Athenians, Persians, and Spartans fought to capture it; so did the Gauls and the Macedonians. The Romans finally took it and renamed it after Constantine the Great, who declared it the new capital of a united Roman Empire. Something about this city by the water compelled its leaders to spare no efforts in aggrandizing it. The Byzantine Empire spent countless fortunes building palaces, churches, and other buildings. So did the Ottoman Empire, which captured the city in 1453 and proceeded to cover the city with palaces, mosques, and water fountains. Their efforts stood in stark contrast with those who were left outside the walls. Those who penetrated its walls by force took great pleasure in tearing the city down, stealing its treasures and hauling anything that could be carried back home across long distances. What man could not destroy, nature took away. Dozens of earthquakes have shaken the city throughout its history, turning buildings to dust. Like many cities in the world, Istanbul long ago lived its golden era. Today, it is poverty, pollution, and social problems that besiege the city. Yet, Istanbul retains its exuberance, its charm, and its place in history.
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The Turkish people, with thousands of years of state experience behind them, embraced in a short time the contemporary life style, which the Republic presented them. They are staunch defenders of the legacy of Atattirk, which is in total harmony with their customs and traditions.
After the introduction of the multiparty regime, new development efforts, unparalleled in the history of the country, were launched. The country opened to the world with new ports, marinas and airports, while the ships of the Turkish maritime industry embarked on oceans and its products began to travel to world markets.
Because of the geopolitical importance of Turkey, the military forces are constantly modernized, and the young people of the country are educated using modern technologies. As one of the leading countries in world tourism, Turkey has the newest and most luxurious hotels in the Mediterranean basin. Thanks to the dams constructed on all rivers, significant progress has been achieved in the fields of energy and irrigated farming. A comparison with neighboring countries and other lands in the region clearly shows what Turkey has gained in 75 years of the Republican system.
Istanbul has enjoyed the lion's share of Turkey's progress, and occupies a central place in almost all spheres except for politics.
The city is now getting ready for a new century with comprehensive projects concerning environmental issues, new housing, additions to the subway system, emphasis of sea routes in transportation, and new international congress centers. International talks are continuing in order to eliminate the dangers which the giant ships crossing the Bosphorus pose for the environment. Cultural activities, tourism and commerce will continue to play an important role in the life of the city. Nevertheless, there is still much to be done to solve problems such as population growth, traffic congestion, preventing unauthorized constructions, and conserving the remaining wooden houses. Plans are also being discussed for a third crossing of the Bosphorus.
Istanbul has a colorful and vibrant everyday life that goes on side by side, or under the shadows cast by, the Roman, Byzantine and Turkish monuments, which are constantly repaired and preserved with meticulous care. With 10 million inhabitants out of the national population of 65 million, Istanbul is the most crowded city in Turkey.
It is also the heart of the country with respect to imports and exports, entertainment, culture, education, shopping, tourism and the arts. Over one half of the populace lives on the European side of the city. People living on the Asian part and commuting daily to work use the suspension bridges or ferryboats.
Istanbul has always been a most popular visiting place for travelers and now it is preparing for its rendezvous with the 21st century. Its new ports and marinas facilitate arrival by the sea. For visitors who prefer air travel, the existing modern airport has been enlarged and a second airport is under construction on the Asian side. By a lucky coincidence the maintenance and repair projects realized for the 75th year of the Republic of Turkey in 1998 turned into a blessing for the initiatives to get Istanbul ready for the 21st century.
Istanbul is now a city with adequate supplies of energy, no major infrastructure problems, clean air and seas, unproblematic transportation, a sufficient number of five and four-star hotels, and minimized traffic jams. In addition to the neat covered bazaars, a new development for the city is the large, modern and luxurious shopping malls that include outlets for well-known international brands.
After the dynamic and crowded tourist season that lasts from spring to autumn, it is now becoming fashionable to visit and to shop in Istanbul during the tranquil winter months, particularly due to the sales in such large centers.
Istanbul is becoming even more colorful with expanding social, cultural and commercial activities. In addition to traditional Turkish restaurants, there are now increasingly more new restaurants offering Far Eastern or other specialties, and the latest films are shown in the new cinemas equipped with all comforts. World famous pop stars give concerts in stadiums filled to top capacity; opera, ballet and theater shows continue the year round; internationally renowned orchestras, choirs and jazz masters appear at seasonal festivals; and musical, folk dance and theater shows play to full houses. Such shows take place in historical locations such as Hagia Eirene,There are sufficient numbers of nightclubs, restaurants with live music, discotheques, and bars in Istanbul to satisfy those interested in nightlife. Folk dance groups and belly dancers perform in some nightclubs.
The Lutfi Kirdar International Congress and Exhibition Palace that was reorganized in 1998 has immediately reached full capacity. New and even larger congress halls are under construction. The closed fair areas at international dimensions always attract visitors with their very popular activities.
The heart of the Turkish press beats in Istanbul.
Both the printing facilities of the large dailies and new university campuses are now such large complexes that they can no longer fit into the city fabric and have to move to the outskirts. University, state and private hospitals have attained high standards and can offer international services.
There are sufficient numbers of nightclubs, restaurants with live music, discotheques, and bars in Istanbul to satisfy those interested in nightlife. Folk dance groups and belly dancers perform in some nightclubs.
In the summer months restaurants, clubs and discotheques move to the open locales and their number increases. They are particularly crowded in weekends.
