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Where is Istanbul

Where is Istanbul?  The city of Istanbul is found in Turkey.  It is located at 41 latitude and 28 longitude between Europe and Asia.  Turkey is not an Arab country.   

Istanbul consists of two parts.  The city is divided by waters of Bosphorus Strait.  

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Where is Istanbul - European side

One part of Istanbul is in Eastern Thrace in the Southeastern Europe. This part of Istanbul is called the European.  

If you are traveling as a tourist you are most likely to be in the Eastern Thrace - the European side of Istanbul.  Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Fatih, Taksim and Ataturk International Airport, for example, are in this part of Istanbul.  

Beaches of the Black Sea are also on the European side of Istanbul.

Where is Istanbul - Asian side

The other part of Istanbul is in Western Asia.  Third of Istanbul population lives here.  Kadikoy, Moda, fancy Bagdad Avenu, Princes Islands and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport are here.  Asian side is also called the Anatolian side of Istanbul.  

Countries around

Istanbul itself doesn't border any countries.  The European side of Istanbul is approximately 4 hours away by bus from Bulgarian and Greek borders.  Buses from main bus terminal in Istanbul make several trips per day to/from Bulgaria and Greece. 

Turkey borders with Iran, Armenia and Nakhchivan Autonomus Republic (of Azerbaijan) on the east; Georgia on the northeast; Syria and Iraq on the south. 

Istanbul is home to many cultures and religions.  Country's predominant religion is Islam.

Waters around

The city of Istanbul is surrounded by the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.  The Bosphorus Strait runs in the middle of the city.  Beaches of the Black Sea are popular during summer vacations.

Quick facts

  • Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey.  It was once a capital of Turkey (now Ankara is the capital). 
  • Greek still call it Constantinople.  Tiny Toons wondered the difference too!  Watch funny Tiny Toons Istanbul cartoon here.
  • Two bridges connect the torn apart city of 7 hills - the magnificent Istanbul.
  • UNESCO World Heritage program added a number of sites in Istanbul to its list in 1985.  Some sites include Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque and others.

Istanbul was Constantinople

Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople

Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night...

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So take me back to Constantinople

No, you can't go back to Constantinople

Been a long time gone...

By Jimmy Kennedy

Minarets of IstanbulIstanbul. Photo by Moyan Brenn
Sultanahmet. Istanbul.Istanbul. Photo by Moyan Brenn
Istanbul TravelIstanbul. Photo by Moyan Brenn