Istanbul, historically also known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is the largest city in Turkey and one of largest cities in the world with a population more than 12 million. Istanbul is also a megacity, as well as the cultural and financial center of Turkey. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. Istanbul extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents.
In its long history, it has been a contact point of civilizations, handed over between them for several times; Istanbul has served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

This gallery contains different views from the city and its nearby islands; hope to enjoy.

Also, I should express my appreciation to my friend Deniz ( https://pbase.com/meerzen/profile who gave me excellent guidance before my trip and her continues support and advises during uploading this gallery.