10 Interesting Istanbul Facts

Saturday, April 12th 2014. | Cities


Istanbul facts give you the ideas about one of the biggest cities in the world. This city is unique.  It is the only city in the world located in two continents of Europe and Asia. Let’s dig deeper about Istanbul.

Istanbul Facts 1: the ancient capital

You are wrong if you think that Istanbul is the capital city of the modern Turkey. The capital city is Ankara. However, Istanbul was used as the capital city of many empires in the ancient time such as in the Ottoman and Roman era.

Istanbul Facts 2: seven hills

You can see the Seven Hills which look similar with the Seven Hills of Rome in Istanbul. In the ancient time, Istanbul was called Constantinople. The one who created the similar Seven Hills is the Roman Emperor Constantine.

Istanbul at Night

Istanbul at Night

Istanbul Facts 3: public toilet

Istanbul is considered as modern city. Because of the Ottoman Empire, the city had 1,400 public toilets.

Istanbul Facts 4: the largest city

Even though the capital of Turkey is located in Ankara, Istanbul is still the largest city in the country.  More than 13 million people live in Istanbul. More than 99 percent of the people living in Istanbul are Islam.

Istanbul facts

Istanbul facts

Istanbul Facts 5: the grand bazaar

If you love shopping, you need to go to Istanbul. This city is the home of the Grand Bazaar. There are 3,000 shops located in the old covered bazaar in Turkey.

Istanbul Facts 6: Murder on the Orient Express

Do you know the famous novelist Agatha Christie? When this woman stayed at Pera Palas Hotel in Istanbul, she wrote the famous novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express’.

Istanbul Pic

Istanbul Pic

Istanbul Facts 7: snow in the city

It is a common view to see snow in Istanbul. The average snow falls in the city is around 18 inches. When you come to Istanbul, you can see that it is surrounded by sea.

Istanbul Facts 8: Olympic

Even though in 2010, Istanbul was picked as the European cultural capital city, it never became the host of Olympic event.

Istanbul Travel

Istanbul Travel

Istanbul Facts 9: inspiration

The city of Istanbul is great inspiration from many notable authors such as Abdülhak Sinasi Hisar, Orhan Pamuk, Ernest Hemingway and Paul Theroux.

Istanbul Facts 10: the Galata Tower

In 1348, the Galata Tower was built. People knew the tower as the Tower of Christ in the past.

Istanbul

Istanbul

The Galata Tower now is used as a place to view the city in 360 degree. In the past, this tower was used to house the prisoner of wars and observatory. Do you have any opinion on facts about Istanbul?


tags: ,