1. GREETINGS FROM ISTANBUL TURKEY!

3. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and 5th largest city in the world with a population of 12.8 million, also making it the second largest metropolitan area in Europe by population, and the largest metropolitan city.

6. T he Golden Horn is a historic inlet of the Bosphorus dividing the city of Istanbul and forming the natural harbor that has sheltered Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and other ships for thousands of years.

11. Topkapı Palace – Hagia Sophia – Blue Mosque

12. The Bosphorus The bosphorus is one of the most popular bridges on earth. Istanbul extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents.

13. Istanbul Other names from history: Byzantium Augusta Antonina New Rome Constantinople Kostantiniyye Stamboul Islambol Dersaadet Derâliye Bâb-ı Âlî Pâyitaht Asitane

14. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior.

15. Topkapı palace was the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years. The palace was a setting for state occasions and royal entertainments and is a major tourist attraction today, containing the most holy relics of the Muslim world such as the Prophet Muhammed's cloak and sword.

16. Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum.

17. Beyoglu; Galata Tower; Maiden’s Tower

18. The Galata Tower called the Tower of Christ in Latin by the Genoese — is a medieval stone tower in the Galata district just to the north of the Golden Horn.

19. Beyoglu is a district located on the European side of Istanbul, of which is the most active art, entertainment and night life centre of Istanbul.

20. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. The grand bazaar consists of 12 major buildings and has 22 doors.

22. The Maiden's Tower The most popular legend suggests that it was built to protect a sultan’s daughter from a snake which an oracle prophesied that she would be killed by.

23. Istanbul IT was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. Historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. And recently Istanbul has been designated as 2012 European Capital of Sport.

24. Quotes About Istanbul If the earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital. Napoleon Bonaparte If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul. Alphonse de Lamartine If they say “you have your last chance to look at the world”, I wish that look would from Çamlıca of Istanbul. Alphonse de Lamartine All other cities are doomed, but I imagine that as long as people exist, Constantinople will exist. Petrus Gyllius Istanbul, a universal beauty where poet and archeologist, diplomat and merchant, princess and sailor, northerner and westerner screams with same admiration. The whole world thinks that this city is the most beautiful place on earth. Edmondo De Amicis Holy Istanbul! Your name is the most enchanting one of all names which enchants me. Pierre Loti Istanbul owes its extraordinary situation to Golden Horn, Marmara Sea and The Bosphorus. Andrea Horn İstanbul is a magical seal which unites Europe and Asia since the ancient times. Without a doubt, Istanbul is certainly the most beautiful place of the world. Gerard De Nerval People were right when they say there is no other place on earth as beautiful looking as Istanbul. Chateaubriand On the meeting point of two worlds, the ornament of Turkish homeland, the treasure of Turkish history, the city cherished by the Turkish nation, İstanbul, has its place in the hearts of all citizens. Atatürk Either I conquer Istanbul or Istanbul conquers me. Fatih Sultan Mehmet

25. We hope to see you here soon!