Istanbul

geography · cities · Turkey · two continents

Split in half. Istanbul is cut right down the middle by the Bosphorus, a busy waterway that separates Europe from Asia. About two-thirds of the people live on the European side, while the rest live on the Asian side.

Huge population. More than 15 million people live in Istanbul, which is one of the biggest cities in Europe and the whole world. That's about one out of every five people living in all of Turkey.

Super busy waterway. The Bosphorus is one of the world's busiest shipping channels, connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Ships pass through it constantly, making Istanbul a major hub for trade and travel.

Two continents. Istanbul is special because it's one of the few major cities that sits on two different continents at the same time. This makes it a bridge between Europe and Asia in geography and culture.

Economic powerhouse. Istanbul is the heart of Turkey's economy, culture, and history. It's the country's center for business, art, and important historical sites.