ISTANBUL: INTRO

Istanbul, home to 16 million residents (compared to NYC's 8.4 million), is the most populous city in Europe, bridging the Bosporus Strait between Europe and Asia. Established as Byzantium in the 7th century BCE, it became the imperial capital under Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, initially named New Rome and later, in 330 AD, Constantinople. In 1930, the city was renamed Istanbul. Regardless of its name, the city boasts a rich history as an imperial capital, particularly during the Ottoman Empire from 1453 to 1922. Following the Turkish War of Independence in 1923, the Ottoman era ended, giving rise to the Republic of Turkey, with Ankara, not Istanbul, as the capital.

Istanbul is the most visited city in the world, with over 20 million foreign visitors in 2023, surpassing London and Dubai. The city is located along the Bosporus, a strait of water that divides Istanbul and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara which then merges into the Aegean Sea and eventually the Mediterranean Sea. 

When you stroll through Istanbul, one of the first things you notice is the abundance of stray dogs and cats. They seem well-fed and are often seen either napping or playing together. In the historic part of the city, the skyline is dominated by the domes and minarets of numerous mosques, while the newer section features towering glass skyscrapers typical of any bustling modern metropolis. Our guide, Yasmin, expressed great civic pride as she discussed the city's significant historical role, which spans 2000 years. In addition to the many mosques, there are remnants of Roman aqueducts, baths, cisterns, and obelisks.

We had two full days of sightseeing which for an intro to Turkey was enough for me to get a sense of what it is all about. Turkey is totally first world with a thriving economy. There is some concern that more mosques are popping up, but it remains a secular country. I believe its unique position in the world bridging Asia to Europe and Muslim to secular means it will continue to play an integral role in world politics.