Istanbul, Turkey’s largest and most famous city, is a bridge between Europe and Asia, and one of the oldest cities in the world. Istanbul is the cultural and economic heart of Turkey, combining tradition and modernity in a stunning blend of historical heritage and modern tourist attractions.
Istanbul History
Istanbul’s history spans over 2,500 years, having been founded as Byzantium and then Constantinople after the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great rebuilt it as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. The city remained the center of Byzantine civilization until 1453, when it was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, making it the capital of the Ottoman Empire under the name Istanbul.
Over the centuries, Istanbul has been a cultural and civilizational center, a meeting place for different cultures. The city has been influenced by Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic civilizations, giving it a unique character that blends Eastern and Western traditions.
Famous Istanbul Landmarks
Istanbul is an unparalleled tourist destination, as it contains a huge number of historical and cultural landmarks that cannot be missed:
- Hagia Sophia: Hagia Sophia is a global symbol of Byzantine architecture, as it was a cathedral for nearly 1000 years before being converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era. It is now a museum and a mosque that reflects the rich history of the city.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): This mosque is known for its beauty and magnificent architectural design. With its blue domes and six minarets, it is one of the most important landmarks of Istanbul.
- Topkapi Palace: It was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for more than 400 years, and contains many treasures and artifacts that reflect the power and greatness of the Ottoman Empire.
- Grand Bazaar: It is considered one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, and is an ideal place to shop for traditional goods such as Turkish carpets, spices and jewelry.
Cultural and entertainment life
In addition to its historical landmarks, Istanbul is characterized by a rich cultural life. The city is filled with museums and art galleries, such as the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and the Rahmi Koç Museum. Istanbul is also a hub for traditional and contemporary music, with many festivals and concerts throughout the year.
For foodies, Istanbul offers a unique experience. Turkish cuisine is diverse and rich in flavors, and you can enjoy kebabs, baklava, and fresh fish on the Bosphorus. Don’t forget to try traditional Turkish tea or Turkish coffee in one of the historic cafes.
Modern Istanbul
Istanbul is rapidly developing into a global city by modern standards. Despite its ancient past, it has many modern neighborhoods that reflect progress and innovation, such as the Sisli and Besiktas neighborhoods. These areas contain luxury shopping malls, five-star hotels, and international restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world.
Nature in Istanbul
Despite being a large and crowded city, Istanbul is full of natural places. You can enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus Strait that separates Europe and Asia, or spend a day at the Princes' Islands, a group of small islands that are a short boat ride from the city.
Yildiz Park and Belgrade Forest also provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where visitors can enjoy nature and vast green spaces, or to the city of Yalova, which was part of Istanbul until the mid-1990s.
Real estate investment in "Yalova"
The city of "Yalova" in northwestern Turkey is one of the most prominent destinations that have become the focus of investors' attention due to the many advantages it enjoys along with other Turkish cities such as Istanbul, Antalya, Bursa, and others.
"Yalova" is distinguished by its distinguished real estate projects, including the construction projects that the "OmranTrk" company is developing and the safe and reliable investment environment.
Owning real estate in all Turkish cities, including "Yalova", is subject to the same laws enjoyed by the local population.
Yalova is considered one of the areas in which the real estate market is very active, "Yalova" is one of the distinctive tourist areas and one of the places where many are looking for a house to rent for the summer vacation or to conduct medical, winter, or historical tourism, bringing a solid financial income to the city and real estate owners.