Turkey

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, straddling both Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Today, Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis blending rich historical heritage with modern cosmopolitan life. Notable landmarks include the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. It remains Turkey’s cultural and economic heart.