Things to Know About Istanbul

Turkey is a garden of paradise and the most beautiful piece of this garden is Istanbul. The activities that Istanbul witnesses is a an attraction for many, and living in Istanbul is within everyone's reach. 

Where is Istanbul?

Istanbul is a large and populous city in Turkey. It is located on both the European and Asian sides of the country, and is surrounded by the Black Sea to the north and the Marmara Sea to the south.

How Many Districts Does Istanbul Have?

Istanbul has 39 districts. 25 of them are on the European Side; 14 of them are located on the Anatolian side.

What is Istanbul's Population? 

The population of Istanbul is 15,907,951 according to 2022. This population consists of 7,955,820 men and 7,952,131 women. As a percentage: 50.01% male, 49.99% female.

What is Istanbul’s Area?

The surface area of Istanbul is 5,461 km2.

What are the Seasonal Characteristics of Istanbul?

Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents and the Bosphorus, and its climate is just as unique. Influenced by the Black Sea, the Balkans, and Anatolia's continental climate, Istanbul has temperatures that range from -11 to +40 degrees Celsius throughout the year, with an average relative humidity of 75%.

What are the Most Famous Foods of Istanbul?

The most famous foods of Istanbul are listed below:

• Turkish Breakfast
• Simit
• Kokorec
• Mussel
• Ortakoy Kumpir
• Eminonu Fish Bread
• Kanlıca Yogurt
• Boza
• Lahmacun
• Iskender kebab
• Cag Kebab
• Baklava
• Sultanahmet meatballs
• Manti
• Maras Ice Cream
• Pide (Pita)

You can also find many other foreign cuisines in Istanbul, Turkey.

Which Hotels Are in Istanbul?

There are many hotels in Istanbul, we have listed a few of them for your comfort below.

• Çınar Otel
• Conrad Hotel Istanbul
• Çırağan Sarayı Hotel Kempinski
• Dedeman Istanbul
• Divan Hotel
• Eresin Crown Hotel
• Four Seasons Hotel
• InterContinental İstanbul
• Hyatt Regency Hotel Istanbul
• Istanbul Hilton
• Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul
• Point Hotel Barbaros
• Renaissance Polat Istanbul
• Shangri-La Bosphorus
• Steigenberger Istanbul Maslak
• Sürmeli Istanbul Hotel
• Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul
• The Marmara Taksim Oteli
• The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul

Istanbul History

Istanbul hosted different civilizations for centuries and was the capital of 3 great empires.

Today, this distinguished city, which has 39 districts, dozens of historical and touristic districts worth visiting. Witnessing one of the greatest defenses and sieges the world has ever seen, the city has drawn the attention of everyone since the day it appeared on the stage of history.

Istanbul's history is long and rich, dating back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. The first prominent settlers were the Megarians, who founded the city of Byzantion in 667 BC. Byzantium became a powerful city-state, thanks to its strategic location. In 196 BC, Byzantium came under the rule of the Roman Empire. In 330 AD, Emperor Constantine I made Byzantium the capital of the Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople.

Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was the brightest and wealthiest city in the world during the early Middle Ages. It remained the capital of the Byzantine Empire until 1453, when it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks.

In this period, Istanbul will be the capital of a great world empire, and it will dominate the lands spread over three continents for more than 400 years.

After the conquest of the city by Fatih Sultan Mehmet (Mehmet the Conqueror) on May 29, 1453, the Ottoman capital period begins. The city, which was called Konstantiniyye by the Muslims, was commemorated by the Greeks with the nickname `E Stin Polis` (To the Capital/City). The Ottomans also used this name and changed it to Istanbul. The Russians named the city Tsargrad (Tsar's city). The name of the city in the Balkans was Stambul.

The city, which was occupied by the Allied Powers on November 13, 1918, ended with the entry of the Turkish army into the city on October 6, 1923. (Resource: turkcebilgi.com)

Ancient Civilizations Lived in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world, there were many ancient civilizations lived, and it served as the capital of the civilizations listed below:

• Roman Empire between 330-395
• Byzantine Empire between 395-1204
• Latin Empire between 1204-1261
• Byzantine Empire again between 1261-1453
• Ottoman Empire between 1453-1922

What are the Features of Istanbul?

Besides being the most populated city in Turkey, it is one of the most important cultural and financial centers of the world. It is the only metropolitan city that embraces both continents by reaching out to Asia with one arm and Europe with the other and having landed on both continents. It is a city where you can find historical places, natural beauties or cultural trips. It was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires for many years.

The features of Istanbul are listed below:

• It is the commercial and cultural capital of Turkey.
• It acts as a bridge connecting Asia and Europe.
• It was the capital of empires.
• It is the most populous and largest city in Turkey.
• Like Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) and Topkapi Palace full of historical artifacts.
• It is the city that receives the most immigrants.
• Istanbul is the city through which the sea passes.
• It appeals to all Humanity. You can see the traces left by people from all cultures.
• It is unique with its Legendary Architecture, Landmarks
• 4 Seasons are experienced in Istanbul
• Historical monuments
• Natural beauties
• Cultural Life
• Wonderful foods

Historical Places of Istanbul

The historical places of Istanbul are listed below:

• Dolmabahçe Palace
• Topkapi palace
• Ciragan Palace
• Linden Pavilions
• Hagia Sophia
• Basilica Cistern
• Maiden's Tower
• The Egyptian Bazaar
• Galata tower
• Aya Yorgi Monastery
• Eyüp Sultan Mosque
• Haydarpasa Train Station
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Anadolu Kavağı
• Haydar Pasha Train Station
• Beyazit Square
• Gulhane Park
• Sultanahmet Square
• Suleymaniye Bath
• Anatolian Fortress
• Rumeli Fortress
• Yedikule Fortress and Dungeons
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Ortakoy Mosque (Great Mecidiye Mosque)
• Bulgarian Orthodox Church (Iron Church)
• Miniaturk Museum

What Are The Museums in Istanbul?

The museums in Istanbul are listed below:

• Islands Museum
• Baris Manco House
• Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum
• Florya Ataturk Marine Mansion
• Istanbul Aviation Museum
• Istanbul Water Museum
• Asiyan Museum
• Besiktas Museum
• Dolmabahce Palace Museum
• Ihlamur Pavilion Museum
• Istanbul Naval Museum
• Istanbul Palace Collections Museum
• Istanbul Fire Brigade Museum
• Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum
• National Palaces Painting Museum
• Yıldız Porcelain Factory
• Yildiz Palace Museum
• Mehmet Akif Ersoy Poetry Museum
• 500th Year Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews
• Adam Mickiewicz Museum
• Galatasaray Museum
• Istanbul International UFO Museum
• ITU Science Center
• Cartoon and Humor Museum
• Madame Tussauds Istanbul
• Museum of Innocence
• Miniaturk
• Pera Museum
• Rahmi M. Koç Museum
• Yapı Kredi Publications and Museum
• Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Literature Museum Library
• Great Palace Mosaics Museum
• Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Medical History Museum
• Islamic Science and Technology History Museum
• Istanbul Archeology Museums
• Istanbul University Beyazit Tower Memorial Museum
• Istanbul University Ridvan Celikel Archeology Museum
• Istanbul University Zoology Museum
• Turkish Foundation Calligraphy Museum
• Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
• Isbank Museum of Turkey
• Fenerbahce Museum
• Istanbul Toy Museum
• Hasanpasa Gazhanesi
• Sakip Sabanci Museum
• Panorama 1453 History Museum
• Florence Nightingale Museum
• Kandilli Earthquake Museum

How Many Tourists Visit Istanbul annually?

According to Daily News newspaper In the first five months of 2023, around 6.3 million foreign tourists visited Istanbul. This is a 19 percent increase from the same period in 2022. In May alone, 1.5 million foreign tourists arrived in the city, marking a 7 percent increase compared with May 2022. The majority of foreign tourists arrived by air, with 1.47 million people flying to Istanbul in May. Russians constituted the largest group of foreign tourists, followed by Germans. The city also welcomed a significant number of American, Iranian, British, French, and Israeli tourists. Istanbul Airport served a record number of daily passengers on June 26, with 252,365 passengers passing through the airport on that day.

What are the Things You Need to Know Before Coming to Istanbul?

The things you need to know before coming to Istanbul are listed below:

• The first thing you need to know while visiting Istanbul is the division of Istanbul as “European Side” and “Asian Side”.
• Traffic jam is also a point you need to know in advance. Considering these points, it is useful to plan the location of the inn and the day route.
• In Istanbul, there are four seasons throughout the year. So you need to take clothes according to the season you come.
• Use foreign exchange stores or banks in Turkey instead of airports and travel agencies in your country.
• Bargain the price while shopping.
• Seeing cats and dogs on the street will surprise you very much.
• Look at the public holidays of your destination.
• Plan the places you will go.
• Take care of your passport.
• Follow the rules.

About Istanbul Airports

Istanbul Airport is the International Airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. The airport, which is located on the European side of the city and between the villages of Tayakadın and Akpınar villages, was opened on 29 October 2018. Istanbul's second Airport was built on the borders of the Pendik district. The airport was named after Sabiha Gökçen, the world's first female fighter pilot and Turkey's first female pilot. The foundation of the airport was laid in February 1998 and the airport was completed in January 2003.

Getting Around Istanbul

There are many possibilities to go from one place to another in Istanbul. Among these, you can use public vehicles such as taxis, minibusses, buses, metro buses, trams, and metros.

Istanbul Weather

In the Istanbul region, summers are warm, humid, dry, and clear, and winters are long, cold, windy, and partly cloudy. Temperatures normally range from 4°C to 29°C throughout the year, rarely below -1°C and above 32°C.

The Spoken Language

Since Istanbul is a multicultural city, the use of many languages is common in the city. Among them, besides the mother tongue Turkish, it is not difficult to find languages such as English, Arabic, etc.

Universities in Istanbul 

There are two groups in Istanbul, a state university and a private university. These universities are listed below:

• Istanbul University
• Bogazici University
• Marmara University
• Istanbul University Cerrahpasa
• Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University
• Yildiz Technical University
• Galatasaray University
• Turkish-German University
• Istanbul Medeniyet University
• University of Health Sciences
• National Defense University
• Turkish-Japanese University of Science and Technology
• Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
• Altinbas University
• Bahcesehir University
• Beykent University
• Beykoz University
• Bezmiâlem Vakif University
• Biruni University
• Demiroglu Science University
• Dogus University
• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif University
• Istanbul Gedik University
• Halic University
• Işık University
• Ibn Haldun University
• Istanbul 29 May University
• Istanbul Arel University
• Istanbul Atlas University
• Istanbul Aydin University
• Istanbul Bilgi University
• Istanbul Galata University
• Istanbul Gelisim University
• Istanbul Esenyurt University
• Fenerbahce University
• Istanbul Kultur University
• Istanbul Kent University
• Istanbul Medipol University
• Istanbul Rumeli University
• Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University
• Istanbul Commerce University
• Istanbul Topkapi University
• Istinye University
• Anatolian Foundation
• Kadir Has University
• Koç University
• Maltepe University
• Nisantasi University
• Istanbul Okan University
• Ozyegin University
• Piri Reis University
• Sabanci University
• Istanbul Health and Technology University
• Uskudar University
• Yeditepe University
• New Century University

Istanbul: Turkey's Industrial and Economic Hub

Istanbul is Turkey's most important economic and industrial center. It is home to 42 of the country's 100 largest industrial enterprises and 250 of the largest 500 enterprises. Istanbul is also the center of Turkey's land, railway, and sea transportation networks, and its largest airport.

The Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ICI), established in 1952, is Turkey's largest chamber of industry. It is committed to developing Istanbul into a global leader in innovation, creativity, and high-value production.

With the 2023 Turkey Export Strategy, Turkey aims to reach an export of 500 billion USD in 2023. This will further solidify Istanbul's position as a leading global economic and industrial hub.

Healthcare and Medical Tourism in Istanbul 

Istanbul is a global leader in the healthcare industry, with a reputation for excellence in medical tourism. Millions of people from all over the world visit Istanbul each year to receive high-quality healthcare at affordable prices.

Istanbul's healthcare sector is highly developed and regulated, with a wide range of public and private hospitals and clinics to choose from. The city is also home to some of the world's leading medical specialists and researchers.

Some of the most popular medical treatments that people seek in Istanbul include:

• Cosmetic surgery
• Hair transplantation
• Dental implants
• Fertility treatments
• Oncology
• Cardiovascular surgery
• Neurosurgery

Istanbul's healthcare sector is also well-known for its warm and welcoming hospitality. Medical tourists can expect to receive high-quality care from compassionate and experienced professionals.

In addition to its world-class healthcare facilities, Istanbul also offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, making it a popular destination for both medical tourists and leisure travelers alike.

How do you Get to the City Center from Istanbul Airport?

You can use Havaist, Public Buses, Taxi, and Istanbul Airport Metro lines to reach the city center from Istanbul airport.

Taxi Prices in Istanbul

In Istanbul, the taxi fee per kilometer is $0.45.

Istanbul Bus Ticket Prices

In Istanbul, the ticket price for the bus is $0,52.

What are the House Rental Prices in Istanbul?

House rental prices in Istanbul depend on its location, age, luxury, and kind.  Average house rental prices are around $500 per month.

How to Buy a House in Istanbul?

Buying a house in Istanbul can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible:

• Decide where you want to buy. Istanbul is a large city with many different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Consider your budget, lifestyle, and needs when making your decision.

What are the Points to Consider While Buying a House in Istanbul?

Buying a house is something difficult since people pay for the house after years of saving money for it. But there are many advantages to owning a property in Turkey. There points to consider while buying a house are listed below:

• Make sure to inquire about the title deed registration
• License
• Earthquake risk of the house
• Real estate market certificate from the municipality
• Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) policy
• Real estate valuation report
• An agreement should be made with an intermediary company whose reliability is perfect.

What are the Reliable Real Estate Companies to Buy a House in Istanbul?

It’s very significant to find a reliable real estate company anywhere in the world hence not to get scammed by a scammer, you should find a real estate company that is known well in the region. Istanbul Property, a real estate company with more than +48.978 customers can be trusted when it comes to buying a house in Turkey. Our offer is not only to sell homes to our customers but also to guide them to make the best decision. To check out our diverse properties please visit our website and search for the features you desire.