Istanbul; City Of The Past, The Present And The Future

Istanbul, with its unique position that connects Asia and Europe, is one of the most important cities on earth. The Bosphoras strait on which it is positioned is a connecting point to the Aegean and Mediterranean seas to the south, and to the Black Sea and the Danube, Dnieper and Don rivers to the north. Thus it has always been a junction of trade.

Dense and rich forests lie along the northern side of the city, fruits and vegetables endemic to the region flourish in its fertile land, migrating birds and vast fish migrations make Istanbul a habitat for wildlife as well as for humans. What makes Istanbul privileged, and enfolds it with an extraordinary beauty compared to other cities, is the land-sea harmony along the Bosphorus and at the southern meeting point of the Bosphorus with the sea. Seasons in Istanbul are generally moderate, thus rendering the city comfortably liveable year-round, yet one can certainly enjoy sunbathing in the hot summer sun, and Dtnetimes winter can bring a cover snow. With spring comes a feast of purple redbuds along the Bosphurus shores and an array of colorful flowering trees throughout the city. With the coming of the autumn mists, the city retains a more romantic appearance. Istanbul is the largest and most important city of Turkey that may be regarded as the leading open-air museum of Turkish culture. Mustafa Kemal Atatiirk, the founder of modern Turkey, who had designated Ankara as tie nation’s capital mainly for geostrategic reasons, was a great admirer of Istanbul. During his presidency, he came to Istanbul at every opportunity and left his last­ing mark throughout the city. In his last days, he resided at Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus, where he could observe his beloved Istanbul. Istanbul took on its role as the important plateau in the progress of the new, modern Turkey after the war of independence and the founding of the republic in 1923.

It was the most dazzling center of the dream to create a contemporary society’in line with international standards. And today, this city lying at the intersection of the hubs of Europe, Asia, Middle East and North Africa, continues to be the pride of Turkey.