City Guide

Istanbul

Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents. Once capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul remains the commercial, historical and cultural pulse of Turkey and its beauty lies in its ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe all co-exist here.

In Istanbul there is a lively ambience of contemporary society living alongside tradition where art and music can be enjoyed whether it belongs to today or yesteryear.

As a cultural and financial centre, Istanbul houses the headquarters of multinational companies, foreign and local banks as well as liaison offices of international companies operating in Turkey.

Istanbul has a 10,000 year-old heritage, much of which is still being uncovered. Its rich history is very much part of the present, with temples, ancient theatres, churches, mosques, tombs, statues of gods, palaces and fortresses and of course the many detailed and fascinating museums which bring the past to life.