Alphonse de Lamartine wrote, “If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.” Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. Over the last 2000 years, it has also been the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Divided by the Bosphorus Strait, today Istanbul is home to over 15 million residents. Istanbul is a study of contrast: ancient and modern; conservative and progressive; chaotic and relaxed. With a rich history and warm culture, it is one of the most inspiring cities in the world.
