Istanbul History: History of Istanbul

Istanbul - the former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.

It is Istanbul's endless variety that fascinates visitors. The museums, churches, palaces, grand mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem innumerable.

Reclining on the western shore of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows of the opposite shore, you may suddenly understand why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. At such times you can see why Istanbul is truly one of the most glorious cities in the world.

Pre-Byzantine Istanbul

The signs of first communal settlements in Istanbul and its surroundings date back to long years ago. While the first traces extend back to 6. Century B.C., it was discovered by research ..

Byzantine Period - Constantinople

The foundations of today’s Istanbul were framed by Megarians coming from Greece during 7. century B.C., a time which was also called "Period of Byzantine". Megarians, who reached Istanbul ..

Istanbul under Latin invasion

Istanbul met with Crusaders in 1096 for the first time. In theory, the land conquered from Muslims would be given to Byzantines, and the Byzantine Empire would support Crusaders..

Istanbul under Byzantine rule again

Second Byzantine Period began with the repossession of Istanbul by Palailogos Dynasty from the Latins in 1261. However, during this period, the city could not reclaim its past significance and privileges..

Ottoman Period of Istanbul

The preparation for a conquest of Istanbul, which served as the capital of religions and cultures actually started a year ago. While Fortress of Rumelia was being constructed in 1452 in aim of controlling the Boshporus, huge canons were...

A new era is on the rise

Istanbul was rapidly taken under control after the conquest. Byzantine Greeks were announced that they could practice their religion and traditions. Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror commanded to Orthodox Greeks to assign...

Kanuni period of Istanbul

The period of 46 years, between 1520 and 1566 when Kanuni Sultan Süleyman reigned the Empire, was a rising period for Istanbul, as well as the state..

Tulip age of Istanbul

Tulip Age had its name from the enthusiasm of palace residents and prosperous families to grow tulips in the period between 1718 and 1730. In Tulip Age which includes the reign of Sultan Ahmed the 3rd and...

Period of reforms

November 3, 1839 was the beginning of a new period in Istanbul. With Sultan’s Firman of Reforms, announced by being read to public in Gülhane Garden of Topkapý Palace, the process of westernization gained pace..

Constitutional period

Constitutional Period started with the dethroning of Sultan Abdülaziz n August 31, 1876. In place of Sultan Abdülaziz, Abdülhamid the 2nd took the throne. And he publicized the Constitution on December 23, 1876..

Years of invasion and armistice

After the First World War, Ottoman Empire was defeated with its allies. After Mondros Armistice was signed, the navy fleet of 55 ships anchored in the banks of Haydarpaþa Port in November 13, 1918 and therefore the invasion of Istanbul began...

Republican period of Istanbul

After the ending of days of invasion, Istanbul gained a new look with the declaration of the republic. Istanbul, which was a capital to three great empires, left this title to Ankara..

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