Istanbul information

Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey with a population in excess of 12.5 million people, making it also the fifth largest city in the world. Istanbul is situated on the Bosphorus Strait in the northwest of Turkey. It is the only metropolis in the world that sits on two continents.

In the 1980's it was decided to begin the largest restructure project in history on the city of Istanbul. All along the Golden Horn thousands of buildings were demolished in order to make way for vast expanses of parks and gardens. Before the parks and gardens were planted, though, it was necessary to reclaim land from the Sea of Marmara. The finished works are now seen as a green belt running along the shores of Istanbul.

Flights to Istanbul
Etihad offers direct flights to Istanbul in addition to indirect flights on a daily basis. Book flights to Istanbul online.

Istanbul attractions

Chora Church
Some of the best Byzantine mosaics in Turkey can be viewed at the Chora Church. The Church of St. Savior in Chora is considered to be one of the finest examples of a Byzantine church. Situated in the western district of Istanbul, the original church was built on this site in the 5th century AD. In the 16th century the Church was converted in to mosque by the Ottoman, until later becoming a museum in 1948. The museum is referred to as Kariye museum.

Istanbul Modern Museum
A wide range of contemporary and modern art can be viewed at the Istanbul Modern Museum. The museum was founded in 2004 and is situated on the shores of the Bosphorus, the museum stretches over 8000 square metres. There are both temporary and permanent exhibitions, some of which are; "Time within us", 'Return to Reason", "From Traditional to..." and "New Works, New Horizons". There is also a cinema, gallery and library at the museum.