"Istanbul - Constantinople - Byzantium " a Istanbul Travel Page by MM212

When the Ancient Greeks established the settlement of Byzantion in the 7th century BC at the point where Europe meets Asia, they laid the foundation for what was to become one of the ancient world's greatest cities. Matching Rome in splendour, the Roman city of Byzantium became the Roman Empire's second capital. Renamed Constantinople by Emperor Constantine, it was the Eastern Roman (or Byzantine, as it is now known) Empire's capital and the seat of Greek Orthodox Christianity. With its most impenetrable defences, Constantinople was not conquered by the Ottomans until 1453 under Mehmet the Conqueror. The city then became a centre of Islam and witnessed the height of Ottoman civilisation and grandeur, while governing lands stretching from Budapest to Aden to Algiers.

After the fall of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, moved the capital from Constantinople to Ankara and renamed the old capital Istanbul. Despite this move, Istanbul has remained Turkey's largest and most dynamic city and is now experiencing a resurgence as one of Europe's most popular destinations. Indeed, the city is where East meets West and Europe meets Asia, and where Islam and Christianity intersect. With its incredible long history, grand architecture, and unique geography, Istanbul could not disappoint.

My only visit to Istanbul was in August 2004 when I spent four full days touring the city. While not long enough to see it all, Istanbul left quite a lasting impression on me. I frequently dream of returning again... soon I hope.