...founded in the 7th. century BC astride the Bosphorus, it was a great imperial capital, first of the Byzantine Empire, when it was known as Byzantion, later as Constantinople, and then of the Ottoman sultans, when it was renamed Istanbul. Although no longer the capital of Turkey since 1923, Istanbul is still the country's largest and most monumental city...and there are countless places worth visiting...ranging from mosques, churches (many of which were turned into mosques, and latterly into museums), palaces and museums to bazaars...there is also the bustle and crowds made up of very friendly people, mostly families with their children taking the air...great food...and the general air of hospitality and courtesy is enchanting and heartwarming...