Istanbul is a city with a 2,500-year history, known in the ancient world as Constantinople. Due to its blend of historical and modern attractions — especially its stunning Ottoman mosques — it is considered the cultural, historical, and economic center of Turkey. Interestingly, Istanbul is geographically unique: part of it lies in Asia, while the other part is in Europe. These two sections are connected by the famous Bosphorus Bridge, earning the city the nickname “the bridge between two continents.”

Istanbul is the most populous city in Turkey, with a population of approximately 15.03 million people living in its vast and vibrant urban landscape. The majority of the population are Muslims, which, along with the city's rich culture and friendly atmosphere, makes Istanbul a very appealing destination for Iranian travelers — a place where religious and traditional elements meet modernity in a beautiful and stylish way.

Thanks to its diverse attractions and excellent tourism services, Istanbul saw a surge in foreign visitors in the 21st century. In 2015 alone, 12.5 million international tourists visited the city. This rise in popularity led to Istanbul being named the Cultural Capital of Europe and earning a consistent spot among the world's most visited cities.

Visa: No visa is required for travel to Turkey.

Official Language: Turkish

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY); 1 Turkish Lira ≈ 2,380 Iranian Toman

Religion: Although Turkey is a secular country with no official religion, around 97% of the population are Muslims, mostly Sunni, with Shia Muslims as a minority.

Popular Souvenirs: Turkish coffee, spices, pistachio sweets, baklava, lokum (Turkish delight), coffee pots, clothing, jewelry, and more.

Health & Safety: Food and water in Istanbul are generally hygienic. Illness due to food is rare. When buying street food, opt for hot and freshly prepared items. Tap water is not recommended for drinking, but bottled water is cheap and widely available.

Spring: Days become warmer with cool, pleasant nights and occasional light spring rain. Average temperatures range from 18°C to 27°C.

Summer: Very hot and humid, with average temperatures between 28°C and 30°C. Locals often escape to nearby islands or beaches, though many tourists still choose this time to visit.

Autumn: Generally cool, with temperatures around 23°C. Weather can be unpredictable — one day may be warm and dry, and the next cold and rainy with temperatures dropping to 15°C.