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Area: 5.712 kmē
Population: 7.309.190
(1990)
Traffic Code: 34
"There, God and human, nature and art
are together, they have created such a perfect place that it is valuable
to see." Lamartine’s famous poetic line reveals his love for Istanbul,
describing the embracing of two continents, with one arm reaching out to
Asia and the other to Europe.
Istanbul, once known as the capital of
capital cities, has many unique features. It is the only city in the
world to straddle two continents, and the only one to have been a
capital during two consecutive empires - Christian and Islamic. Once
capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul still remains the commercial,
historical and cultural pulse of Turkey, and its beauty lies in its
ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and
secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly all co-exist here.
Its variety is one of Istanbul’s
greatest attractions: The ancient mosques, palaces, museums and bazaars
reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim buzzes
with life and entertainment. And the serene beauty of the Bosphorus,
Princes Islands and parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise
chaotic metropolis.
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