Putting Europe and Asia, or East and West, together The history of Istanbul is very difficult. This city has a rich past. It was the capital of both the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, and its history has left us many beautiful monuments. A glass skyscraper next to a Byzantine church or a colorful market under the shadow of a shopping mall are just a few examples of the city’s unique mix of building styles. The natural scenery is also beautiful. In the south, the Bosphorus Strait links the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. In the north, it splits the city in half. People can see a skyline of domes, steeples, and modern towers from the blue water.

.

.

.

.

.

From far away, Istanbul looks calm, but inside the city, the mood is wonderfully chaotic. Find out about the city’s busy streets and bazaar shops that have been there for hundreds of years. People will be vying for space as drivers and sellers talk over each other, and it will be hard to take in all the sights, sounds, and smells. When you’re out exploring, don’t forget to smell and taste the traditional Turkish treats that you find off the streets, like doner, which is like fast food in Istanbul. And once the sun goes down, you’ll see that Istanbul’s conservative exterior is shed to show a lively nightlife. Istanbul has been a meeting point of civilizations and continents for hundreds of years. Its fast pace, ancient history, and modern culture all surprise tourists.