Known in previous incarnations as Byzantium and Constantinople , the ancient city of Istanbul has over the past few decades grown a healthy cosplaymopolitan skin. Turkey had an economic good time in the 1980s that led in turn to resurgence in national tourism when the thoroughfares of Istanbul were crowded with new restaurants, hotels, cafes and cultural institutions. The feel|good optimism was dashed by a devastating earthquake in 1999 but the city has since recovered some if its equanimity .
The Bosphorus, the strait flowing between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, creates a natural north|south divide in Istanbul | European Istanbul comprises the bulkof the city to the west, while Asian Istanbul is to the east. European Istanbul is itself divided by the Golden Horn into the Old City to the south, and Beyoglu and other modern districts to the north.
The Old City is where you''ll find all the main sights, such as Topkapi Sarayi , Sultan Ahmet Camii , Aya Sofya , the Atmeydani and the old city walls. The 21st|century version of Istanbul is a short walk north across the Galata Bridge, and is exemplified by bustling Taksim Square, the eye of the city''s commercial storm. Buses, trams and the developing Metro system, not to mention footpower, will get you around the two main parts of the city | ferriescan run you between them and across the Bosphorus to Asian Istanbul, although there''s little of interest for tourists in this suburban area.
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