Istanbul

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The city of Istanbul was established as Byzantium in 667 BC. From 330 AD to 1453 AD, during the Roman and Byzantine period, and after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 AD, it was called Constantinople. It received its current name in 1930.

Located on the Bosphorus Strait, it now boasts a population of over 11 million, being the fourth largest city proper in the world. It is the only city in the world located on two continents - Thrace on the European side of the Bosphorus River and Anatolia on the Asian side.

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Photos

Fresco in Hagia Sophia
A fresco from the time when the Hagia Sophia was a place of worship for Christians.

Rumeli Fortress
This fortress, built in 1452, is located at the narrowest part of the Bosphorus River near the entry to the Black Sea. The Turks used this Fortress as a way of controlling river traffic and protecting the River in preparation for taking over Constantinople in 1453.

Night life in Istanbul
Soccer, even on a restaurant television, captivates.

A Government School
Seen from the Bosphorus River

Theodosius
The Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Theodosius (408 - 450).

An Underground Cistern
This is located below the Hagia Sophia Museum

Topkapi Palace
The residence of most sultans from 1453 to 1922.

Comments

[Paul Herrick]

I am jealous
John You are obviously enjoying the travel. Appreciate the photos. Look forward to seeing more on your return

[Sabbatical]

Istanbul
Dear Paul It is good to hear from you. Yes, seeing these places is wonderful. I do have a lot more photos of course but these hopefully give you a taste. I am pleased all is going well with you. With best wishes John