history of istanbul

Istanbul has a rich and ancient history. The city, known as Byzantion in ancient times, was founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BCE. It later became a part of the Roman Empire and was renamed Constantinople. In 330 CE, it was declared the capital of the Roman Empire by Emperor Constantine I. After the division of the empire, it became the capital of the Byzantine Empire and remained so until it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1453.

With the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, the city became the capital of the Ottoman Empire and emerged as an important cultural, economic, and strategic center. With the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, Istanbul became one of the largest cities in the world and a meeting point for various civilizations, religions, and cultures.

In 1923, with the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, Ankara became the capital of Turkey; however, Istanbul still maintains its status as the country's largest city and cultural center. Today, Istanbul is globally recognized as a tourist and commercial hub, renowned for its historical sites, magnificent architecture, rich cultural heritage, and the breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.