Istanbul

Istanbul boasts an incredibly rich history. It became Constantinople under the Christian Byzantines and for centuries it was the centre of the known world. 

The great city of Istanbul has always been historically strategic because of its geography. To the south stretches the Marmara Sea and to the north is the Black Sea. Its western part lies in Europe while the eastern part is in Asia. Istanbul is where Orient meets Occident, a crossroads of civilizations and cultures.

Make sure you visit the bazaars, markets and palaces for which this bustling city is famous.

Language: Turkish (official)

Currency: Turkish Lira (YTL)

Climate: A mild climate. Highest rainfall is from November to February. Lowest humidity in July-September. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit.

Culture: Istanbul is the city of domes and mosques with winding, narrow streets lined with stalls and markets. Although no longer Turkey's capital, it is still very much the cultural, commercial and tourist centre of the country. 

Places to visit: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque (Mosque of Sultan Ahmet), Aya Sofya , Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Bazaar).