Istanbul
is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics
Population: 15.66 million (Dec 31, 2023)
Postal code: 34000 to 34990
Area codes: +90 212 (European side); +90 216 (Asian side)
HDI (2021): 0.867 (very high) · 1st
Highest elevation: 537 m (1,762 ft)
ISO 3166 code: TR-34
Province: Istanbul