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Istanbul is established on the both sides of the Bosphorus
which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and
separates
Asia and Europe. The 7 km. long narrow inlet, named Golden
Horn, divides the European side of the city into two
sections.
Because of its location between Asia and Europe,
Istanbul has always had a great geopolitical importance.
Today,
Istanbul is still a political and commercial center for the
Balkan and Middle Eastern Countries and the Turkic
Republics
of Central Asia. The settlement, known as Byzantium after
its founder, took the name Constantinople, the city of
Emperor Constantine', during the reign of the Roman Emperor
Constantine the Great. It was then known as Istanbul after
the conquest of the Ottomans, and became one of the biggest
and the most crowded city of Europe. The city is spread over
an area of 7.500 km2, 150 km. long and 50 km. wide.
Although its population is not accurately known, it is
estimated to be 12 to 15 million. Because of the continuous
immigration from the rural areas, the city grows rapidly and
the population increases around half a million every year.
Each year, 1.000 new streets are constructed within the
city, and brand new settlements rise on the east west axis
The population of the city, with a %5 annual increase,
doubles in every 12 years. One out of every five citizens,
is living in Istanhul. Around 2 million tourists visit
Istanbul every year, and admire the historical and natural
beauties of the city. Istanbul, where East and West, Asia
and Europe meets, is a world city that different cultures
and religions create the most harmonious synthesis. With
particular consideration of historical monuments and
cultural richness, Istanbul may only be compared to Rome,
which carries so many similar characteristics. In Rome and
in Istanbul, which was the capital for both the Byzantine
and Ottoman Empires, administrators and governors
constructed the greatest religious and civil structures, and
decorated their capital cities with the most beautiful works
of the famous architects.
The Bosphorus is unparalleled for its natural beauties such
as the Golden Horn and the Islands. Its moderate climate,
active night life, lovely people, and the excellent Turkish
Cuisine are some of the other factors, which make Istanbul
an attractive destination for foreigners. A foreigner
wishing to know Istanhul closely should spend at least a
week in this beautiful city. 337) it was burned down during
a revolt.
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