The position of jstanbul as a crossing between continents has always been a determining factor for the city. Throughout history, migrations, invasions from every direction, new inventions and concepts and new ways of life have merged in the cultural crucible of jstanbul, taken new forms and transferred to other regions. jstanbul held great importance for the historical cultures of Mesopotamia, Anatolia, the Aegean, the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Black Sea. In every era, the city's rich natural environs and uniquely beautiful topography have made it an attraction.

For thousands of years, from prehistory to ancient ages to modern times, the area has hosted human settlements, and today retains its quality as an important world center.

lstanbul, with its unique position that connects Asia and Europe, is one of the most important cities on earth. The Bosphorus strait on which it is positioned is a connecting point to the Aegean and Mediterranean seas to the south, and to the Black Sea and the Danube, Dnieper and Don rivers to the north. Thus it has always been a junction of trade.

Dense and rich forests lie along the northern side of the city, fruits and vegetables endemic to the region flourish in its fertile land, migrating birds and vast fish migrations make istanbul a habitat for wildlife as well as for humans. What makes istanbul privileged, and enfolds it with an extraordinary beauty compared to other cities, is the land-sea harmony along the Bosphorus and at the southern meeting point of the Bosphorus with the sea.

Seasons in istanbul are generally moderate, thus rendering the city comfortably liveable year-round, yet one can certainly enjoy sunbathing in the hot summer sun, and sometimes winter can bring a cover of snow. With spring comes a feast of purple redbuds along the Bosphorus shores and an array of colorful flowering trees throughout the city. With the coming of the autumn mists, the city retains a more romantic appearance.

Istanbul is the largest and most important city of Turkey that may be regarded as the leading open-air museum of Turkish culture. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, who had designated Ankara as the nation's capital mainly for
geostrategic reasons, was a great admirer of istanbul.During his presidency, he came to Istanbul every opportunity and left his lasting mark through the city in his last days, he resided at Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, where he Could observe his
beloved istanbul took on its role as the important plateau in the progress of the new, modern Turkey after the war of
independence and the founding of the republic in 1923.

It was the most dazzling center of the dream to create a contemporary society in line with international standards. And today, this city lying at the intersection of the hubs of Europe, Asia, Middle East and North Africa, continues to be the pride of Turkey.