Istanbul
Country: Turkey
Region: Europe
Period: 330-1923
Location: 41.0125°N, 28.98°E
Description
Constantinople, now Istanbul, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most important cities in world history. Founded by Emperor Constantine I in 330 AD, it became a major center of trade, culture, and Christianity. Its most iconic landmark is the Hagia Sophia, a grand church-turned-mosque. Constantinople's strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait made it a crossroads of Europe and Asia. The city remained a powerful hub until it fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire. Today, Istanbul preserves much of its rich cultural heritage, blending Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences.
Modern Remains
Today, Istanbul preserves significant historical sites, such as the Hagia Sophia, which served as a church, mosque, and now a museum, and the Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans. The Hippodrome and Walls of Constantinople stand as remnants of the city’s ancient fortifications. Istanbul’s blend of Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman architecture offers visitors a window into its diverse and layered history.