Istanbul, Largest city in Turkey
Istanbul spans two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait.
Originally founded as Byzantium around 660 BCE, Istanbul served as the capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
Istanbul is known for its historic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the iconic Blue Mosque.
The city's population has expanded rapidly since the 1980s, with roughly 15 million residents today.
Istanbul is the only metropolitan area to span two continents.
Location: Istanbul Province
Inception: May 29, 1453
Population: 15462452
Elevation above the sea: 100 m
Website: ibb.istanbul
Sources: Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap