Turkish people & culture of Istanbul, Turkey

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About Istanbul
A city where the East meets the West, the magic of Istanbul will enchant you with its tall minarets, beautiful mosques, buzzing markets and vibrant culture. This Turkish city has attracted the likes of some of the greatest empires in history, such as the Greeks, the Romans, and the Ottomans. Witness layers of history unfold before you, as you walk through the busy streets. Treat yourself with the city’s delectable cuisine, which is as diverse as its history. Be mesmerized as you see the sun setting in the background of Istanbul’s beautiful skyline.\r\n\r\nIstanbul caters to tourists from across the world, from history lovers to foodies and artists. Monuments such as the Hagia Sophia are believed to have changed the face of architecture. Historical sites such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower and Süleymaniye Mosque boast of splendid architecture that will astound you. No experience can match that of walking around the colorful Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s first shopping malls. The locals will prove to be wonderful hosts, enhancing your experience with their friendly demeanor and generous attitude.


People of Istanbul
The city of Istanbul is home to 14,377,019 people, constituting 19% of the country’s population. Istanbul is the seventh largest city in the world, in terms of population. Majority of the people follow Islam and minorities include Christians and Jews. The people of Istanbul are well-known for their hospitality. They are fiercely proud of their rich culture and traditions. They love to meet new people and never hesitate to talk to tourists. Due to influence of western culture, their attire consists of typical western clothes. However, traditional clothes are preferred in mosques and some women wear headscarves.


Culture of Istanbul
The culture of Istanbul is a fine blend of eastern and western cultures. The city has been a cultural capital of Turkey and has attracted artists from Europe and Middle East in the past. The district of Beyoğlu is the artistic centre of the city, being a platform for artists across the globe. There are several museums in Istanbul, some of which opened in the 21st century, while others, such as the Hagia Sophia, are historic religious centres converted into museums.\nThe city has an emerging music scene, with the establishment of festivals such as Istanbul International Music Festival. Venues such as Atatürk Cultural Center, the Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre and Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, host live shows and concerts regularly. A shopper’s paradise, Istanbul is a city where one can never get enough of shopping. From historic to modern, there are endless markets in the city, with Grand Bazaar being one of the oldest in the world. Turkish cuisine is influenced by both Europe and Middle East and the markets are lined with restaurants and stalls serving delicious food. The famous Turkish breakfast consists of marinated olives, eggs, sausage, honey, butter, jams, tomatoes, cucumbers, kaymak and menemen.


History of istanbul
Based on Neolithic artefacts, archaeologists have dated human settlements in Istanbul’s peninsula, to have occurred in the 7th millennium B.C. The settlement lasted for a millennium, before being flooded by rising water levels. Throughout history, Istanbul was an important city for various empires. The history of present-day Istanbul dates back to 660 B.C., when Byzantium was established by Greek settlers. \nThe Persians ruled for a brief period during the 5th century B.C., but the Greeks recaptured the city during the Greco-Persian Wars. In 73 CE, Byzantium became a part of the Roman Empire and was renamed as Constantinople. The Ottomans conquered the city in 1453 and the city became a major political, cultural and commercial centre. They were defeated in World War I and the Republic of Turkey was formed in 1923. The capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul continued to hold importance and grew exponentially in terms of business, culture and tourism.