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From Istanbul
Istanbul (historically Byzantium and later Constantinople) is Europe's most populous city (the world's 3rd largest city) and Turkey's cultural and financial center. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province.[1] It is located on the Bosporus and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the Byzantine Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.[2]
“There, God and mankind, nature and art altogether have created such a magnificent place on earth that it is worth a visit,” says Lamartine to describe the city encompassing two continents, Asia with one arm and Europe with the other. The seas and lands divide the geography into four. On both flanks of the Golden Horn are the historical peninsula of Istanbul and Galata while on both flanks of the Bosphorus are the ex-villages, which have now joined the grand city. The settlements along the shores of the Sea of Marmara- the smallest sea in the world- bear witness to the present day size of the city.
Under the shadow of the Roman, Byzantine and Turkish historical monuments deliberately preserved the city has a very vivid and colorful daily life, and is becoming more colorful with the rich social, cultural and commercial activities. Besides the restaurants serving a rich variety of Turkish cuisine it is now possible to dine at restaurants serving Asian or other cuisines. Latest movies meet the spectators at the same time with the rest of the world in the most comfortable movie theaters. World famous pop singers attract thousands to the stadiums while opera, ballet and theatre performances continue all the year round, and seasonal festivals host orchestras, choruses, jazz groups alongside musical, folkloric and theatrical performances are all sold out. These are hosted at modern auditoriums such as Atatürk Cultural Center, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Open Air Theater and modern theaters alongside the historical sites such as Aya Irini, Rumeli Fortress, Yedikule Fortress, Topkapı Palace courtyard, and Gülhane Park. Covered fair grounds in the world standards are amongst the most frequently visited sites thanks to their continuous activities. Hectic tourism in the spring, summer and fall times is followed by slower paced winters now fashionable with shopping fests and cultural tours supported by sales in big shopping centers.
