                         |
 From its earliest origins Istanbul stood at
the crossroads of trade routes, blending of cultures, war, and
empire building. It rose to become the most influential one in the
world and held that position for more than a thousand years. Emperor
Constantine once built a mighty city here, but almost no part of it
remains. Excavations have unearthed proof that civilizations
existed in this place long before record-keeping began. During later
centuries Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans ruled, bringing a variety
of influences to architecture, lifestyles and religious practices.
Go to
Turkey
| |
|
