Whenever we think about Istanbul, an impression of a wide-ranging cosmopolis embracing a remarkable cultural and architectural heritage comes to our mind. It is the largest city in Turkey and one of the most famous cities not only among locals but also for international tourists! You might be amazed to know that there are some interesting geographical, historical, architectural, cuisine-based, & random facts about Istanbul that many people don't know. Here are some intriguing facts to help you gain significant insights before you head toward this city.
Facts On the Geography & Population of Istanbul
1. Istanbul is nestled at a decisively crucial location. It is the only city pan-continents in the world that is set on two continents - Europe & Asia. The Bosporus (the Strait of Istanbul) passes through the city, which is part of the continental boundary between Europe & Asia. It separates the Anatolia (Asian Turkey) and Thrace (European Turkey) regions. The two sides of the Bosporus are known as the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.2. Istanbul is a coastal city, hedging between the Black Sea & Sea of Marmara. Notably, the coastline in Istanbul stretches over 280 miles (450 kilometers). The Bosporus (or Bosphorus) Strait is the only passageway from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and the Sea of Marmara.
4. There are about 85 approachable beaches, many of which are within 30 to 40 minutes from the city center. Remarkably, the visitors have three choices of swimming spots - in the south, there is the Sea of Marmara; in the north, the Black Sea; and the Bosphorus Strait is in the middle of these two.
5. Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) is Turkey's primary seaport and the largest city. It has had a dominant status since the early times and was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires as well. Even today, Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey, still is the largest city in Turkey, about three times bigger than Ankara, the capital of Turkey.
6. There are 39 districts in Istanbul, including Fatih, which is the city's historic downtown. The most notable historical sites of Istanbul are spread across the Sultanahmet neighbourhood of Fatih.
7. One of the 81 provinces of Turkey, Istanbul is the most populous province. It has an urban population of around 15.5 million. Notably, Istanbul is the 13th largest city in the world in terms of population and the most densely populated city in Europe.
8. The population of Istanbul experienced an upsurge in 1970. As people from Anatolia started migrating to Istanbul for work, it scaled up in size. Today, around 1/5th of the total population in Turkey resides in Istanbul.
9. About 99% of the population of Instanbul is Muslim, as per the Turkish government. From this, around 78% of the population is Hanafi Sunni. There are beyond 3,000 mosques in the city. Apart from these stats, only 28% of the residents originally belonged to this city. Most people have migrated from other cities in Turkey.
Historical Facts About Istanbul
10. Since the Stone Age, human beings have lived in the area well-known as Istanbul today. There is evidence of settlements in this region in the early times, around the 6th millennium BCE. It is said that the Greeks founded Byzantium city (Istanbul) in 657 BCE. As per an ancient legend, it was discovered by a ruler named Byzas from Megara city (a city near Athens). There was an Acropolis constructed at the place where the Topkapı Palace stands.
12. Istanbul was conquered by Sultan Mehmed II, the Ottoman ruler from northwestern Turkey in 1453. He then began the reign of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted till 1922.
13. For over 1500 years, Istanbul has functioned as an imperial capital. This city was the capital of the Eastern Roman from 330 to 1204, Latin from 1204 to 1261, Byzantine from 1261 to 1453, and Ottoman Empire from 1453 to 1922. Constantinople was the most powerful city in Europe, often under the Byzantine Empire's reign.
14. Under the longest-ruling Ottoman sultan - Suleiman the Magnificent (1520 - 1566), Istanbul flourished in art. He built a multitude of large mosques, including the Suleymaniye Mosque. All this gave its distinct skyline to Istanbul.
Facts on Monuments & Architecture
15. Istanbul is home to one of the most renowned pieces of architecture, Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya). Justinian built the Hagia Sophia in 537 CE as the primary cathedral of Constantinople. For about 1000 years, Hagia Sofia remained the largest cathedral in the world until the Constantinople conquest. After this, Hagia Sophia was a mosque till 1935, and then it was converted into a museum. Later on, it was again converted into a mosque in 2020.
17. One of the city's most iconic structures, the Galata Tower was constructed in 1348 at the peak of guarded walls. It was utilized to keep prisoners of war. The tower was originally called the Tower of Christ and became an observatory laterwards. Today, it is a notable attraction in Istanbul that offers a 360° view of the city.
18. There are beyond 60 hammams or Turkish baths in Istanbul. Many admirable hammams were built by the Ottomans in Constantinople. It supplemented the bathing culture of the Romans, the earlier inhabitants of the city.
19. Hundreds of water cisterns are there below Istanbul. Constructed back in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern is the largest and most popular one.
20. Inaugurated in 2019, the Çamlıca Mosque is the largest in Turkey. It is situated in the Asian region of Istanbul in Üsküdar and can take in about 63,000 people.
21. Sultanahmet Square or Hippodrome, is a huge park located near the Hagia Sophia and next to the Blue Mosque, which was previously a caravan racing stadium. It embraces an Egyptian obelisk and the Serpentine Column from the Greek Temple of Apollo in Delphi.
22. The former residence of the Ottoman sultans - The Topkapı (Cannon Gate) Palace is a vast museum situated in the Fatih district, Istanbul. The museum collection includes some of the holiest Islamic relics, Ottoman clothing & weapons, miniatures, and illuminated manuscripts.
23. The San Marco Cathedral in Venice embraces four bronze horses that were taken by the militants from Istanbul (Constantinople) in the 13th century.
24. With beyond 90 million yearly visitors, The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is regarded as one of the most famous attractions in the world. It is the largest & oldest historical market in the world. This market spans 3,305,000 sq. ft. (307,000 sq. m.) and consists of 61 streets with 3000 shops. You will need three days to explore the entire market.
Facts on Urbanization
26. Istanbul observed urbanization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the construction of various trams, bridges, and water systems. Telephones were also introduced at that time.27. Istanbul was invigorated with the construction of new major roads and squares in the 1940s and 50s. It included the famous Taksim Square, which is regarded as the heart of Istanbul today.
28. The Tünel, constructed in 1875 in Istanbul is the second-oldest urban rail line across the globe preceding the London Underground. It goes to an elevation of 573 m from sea level and is operational today.
29. The first metro line in modern Istanbul was the M1 line, established in 1989.
30. In 1992, the old tram network which was shut in 1966 in Istanbul was replaced by electric trams.
Facts on Istanbul's Cuisine
31. The cuisine of Istanbul city embraces a fusion of influences, including Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Mediterranean, Balkan, Eastern European, Georgian, and Armenian cuisines.32. The cuisine of Istanbul has also been dominated by the influence of Ottoman Court cuisine. Many dishes are curated to satisfy the cultured taste of Ottoman royalty.
33, In Istanbul cuisine, Olive oil is the most favoured medium for cooking. Also, people rather like to use spices moderately.
34. The people in Istanbul prefer to eat more rice than bulgur, given that bulgur is the primary staple food in other regions of the nation.
35. The meat kebab prepared on rotating stacks that have become popular across the world is widely sold all over Istanbul.
36. Unsurprisingly, eating fish is a great deal in this city. The locals love having a fish meal with rakı near the Bosporus, as a classic part of the Istanbul lifestyle. Besides, the Kadikoy Fish Market is the most famous for fish in Istanbul.
37. The common dishes in Istanbul are Köfte (meatballs), dolmas (stuffed vegetable dish), türlü (vegetable stews), Menemen (eggs with tomato and onion), Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), İmam bayıldı (an eggplant dish), and more.
38. Simit is a circular Turkish bread crusted with sesame seeds mostly eaten for breakfast. Also called a Turkish Bagel, it has been made in Istanbul for over 500 years. It is sold by street vendors across the city.
39. One of the most popular desserts throughout the Middle East is Baklava, which was first made in the Imperial courts of Constantinople (presently Istanbul).
40. Çay, the traditional Turkish Tea is the most liked drink across Istanbul. It is usually served black in a small tulip-shaped glass.
Random Interesting Facts
41. Istanbul is also known as the City of Seven Hills, like Rome. It got this nickname from the Byzantine Constantinople, built on seven hills following Rome's model. However, the city has over 50 hills.42. The tulip is a traditional symbol of Istanbul & Turkey. With the blooming of Turkish tulips towards March ending, Istanbul hosts its yearly Tulip Festival in April. This is a common myth that the Netherlands is the land of the origin of tulips. Turkey was the foremost country that started cultivating tulips and these were extensively cultivated during the Ottoman Empire. Tulips were later sent to the Netherlands & other parts of Europe from Turkey.
43. Leeches are utilized as a traditional medium in Istanbul till today. These are widely sold near the Spice Bazaar in the city.
44. There is a somewhat mild climate in Istanbul that is affected by the seas to its north and south with a low-temperature variation from day to night. The hottest temperature recorded is 99°F (37.2°C)
45. Due to the presence of many hills, Istanbul has multifarious microclimates and rainfall considerably differs between them. Also, it often observes fog. Among all the cities in the Mediterranean Basin, Istanbul is the city receiving the maximum snow.
46. The İstiklal Caddesi in Beyoğlu is the most popular street across Istanbul. This street observes around 3 million visitors per day on weekends.
47. Numerous cats dwell on the streets of Istanbul. The residents have made houses for such cats in different parks & streets. A popular cat that resided in the Hagia Sophia died in 2020, which was in headlines across Turkey and the world.
48. Under the reign of the Ottoman Empire, it is reported that there were over 1,400 public toilets across Istanbul. Contrastingly, there were no public toilets in the remaining area of Europe.
49. Istanbul is exposed to frequent earthquakes because it is positioned near a fault line. The major earthquakes include those in 1766, with 4000 deaths; and 1894 with over 1000 deaths. In the past decade, beyond 500,000 old buildings in the city that were subject to damage from earthquakes have been demolished.
50. In Istanbul, the Historic Area is entitled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notably, this site embraces four districts, extended over an area of 765.5 ha, and encompasses various historical structures.
51. About 50 wharves and over twenty ferry lines are moving across the Golden Horn and Bosphorus in Istanbul.
52. The business activities taking place in Istanbul constitute 1/3rd of the national economy of Turkey.
53. There are two significant airports in Istanbul, namely Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, and the newly established Istanbul Airport on the Asian and European sides respectively. Istanbul airport is one of the biggest airports across the globe, and most international flights take off from there.
54. The renowned people from Istanbul include Arda Turan, Footballer; Elia Kazan, a Hollywood director; Hazal Kaya & Tuba Büyüküstün, actresses; and Can Yaman, an actor.
Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the remarkable cities of the past and the present. The above-listed interesting facts will let you peep into the persona of this fascinating city. After all, a trip to Turkey is incomplete without visiting the metropolitan of Istanbul!