From Byzantium to Today: The Layers of Istanbul’s Rich Past

The history of Istanbul is almost 3000 years old and full of the empires, religions, and cultures. It is a walk through its streets that seems to be a living timeline out of stone, water and skyline.

Byzantium: The Ancient Foundations

The city was established by Greek colonists who developed around the natural harbor of the Golden Horn and was named Byzantium. Action: Go to the place between Sarayburnu and the old city walls to imagine its defensive significance in the early days.

Constantinople: Christian Empire Capital

It was converted into Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire by Emperor Constantine. The immense dome of Hagia Sophia has been the symbol of the Christian imperial power throughout centuries. Activity: Visit Hagia Sophia and surrounding cisterns to understand Byzantine engineering and religion.

Ottoman Istanbul: Imperial Metropolis

Mehmed the Conqueror took the city in 1453, and he renamed it Istanbul and the center of the Ottoman Empire. The skyline was transformed by mosques, bazaars and palaces. Activity: Take a stroll across the Topkapi palace, through Sultanahmet to the Grand Bazaar to follow the Ottoman civic life.

Modern Republic to Global City

As the Turkish Republic emerged, Istanbul transformed into a modern, multicultural metropolis and retained its stratified culture. Action: Take a ride around the Historic Peninsula to contemporary areas of the city such as Karaköy and Beyoğlu- observe how old walls and Ottoman mosques and glass towers co-exist, expressing the current change in the city.