The history of Istanbul goes back to 300 thousand years ago. The first traces of human culture were discovered in the excavations carried out in Yarımburgaz Cave on the banks of Küçükçekmece Lake. It is thought that Neolithic and Chalcolitic people had been living around there. In the excavations made in the various periods of time, some instruments belonged to the Epi-paleolithic period have been found within reach of Dudulu and a few instruments and materials belonged to the Middle and Upper Paleolithic Period have been found near Ağaçlı.It is estimated that starting from 5,000 B.C a concentrated settlement activity started in Çatalca, Dudullu, Ümraniye, Pendik, Davutpaşa, Kilyos and Ambarlı, led by Kadıköy Fikirtepe.On the other hand, the foundation of Istanbul is dated to 7.000 BC. Istanbul was rebuilt by the Constantine the Great (306–337) in the 4th centuryi, after that it became the capital of the Byzantine Empire. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). In addition, the city became one of the the Christian center and after the conquest of Istanbul by Mehmet II on 29th May 1453, it also became the most important muslim city.

THE BYZANTİNE PERİOD (C. AD 300–C. 1453)

There have been settlements in what is now Istanbul since prehistory, but the foundation of today's Istanbul were lain in the 7 th century BC. The Megarians came into Istanbul from Greece through the Sea of Marmara in 680 BC. They established a colony on the Acropolis above the Golden Horn opposite the Greek Colony of Chalcedon, which had been established a few years earlier. The Chalcedon Colony was involved in architecture and referred to as “the Land of the Blind,” possibly because they must have been blind no to see the advantages of setting on the European side of the Bosphorus, which would be much more secure militarily. The Megarians, under the leadership of Byzas, acted according to a Delphic oracle in choosing the site. They were settled in (today’s Sarayburnu) and the town came to be called Byzantium. It is thought with the various Thracian people were living in the area and intermingled with the Megarians. Byzantium, through becoming a commercial center and as a result of its being easily defensible, became a powerful, fast-growing member of the Greek colonies. In 513 BC. Byzantine was taken by the Persian leader Darius who had captured Anatolia. The city remained in Persian hands until it was taken by the spartan general Pausanius in 477 BC. He in turn set himself up as a tyrant and was driven out by the Athenians and their allies in 475 BC. The city revolted against the Athenians and surrendered to the Spartan commander Lysander in 403 after the final defeat of Athens in the Peloponnesian wars. The city entered into an uneasy alliance with King Philip of Macedonia (father of Alexander the Great) during which the city walls were repaired but surrendered without a battle to Alexander the Great in 334 BC. After his death in 323, the city was under the leadership of one of the generals of Alexander the Great, Antigonos, but more or less governed itself. The city was overcome by hordes of Saxons arriving from the West in 278 BC. and was looted and forged to pay tibutes. It was later captured by the Allied forces of Rhodes, Pergamum and Bithynia under whose sovereigty it remained until it was bequeathed to the Roman Empire by last ruler of Pergamum. The Macedonia-Roman wars ended in the sovereignty of Rome over the Balkans, Asia minor and Byzantium in 146 BC.and period of peace ruled for the next 300 years.

ROMAN EMPIRE

The sovereignty of the Romans over the Byzantine was partially at their own consent. Fed up with being the focus of a long lasting conflict between Bithynia and Macedonia in the 2nd century, BC. Byzantium joined with Kyzikos and Rhodos in calling on Rome for aid. It became a subject of the Roman Empire in 146 BC. Formerly self administered, it became a part of the Bithynia-Pontius province, thus maintaining its importance but losing the city-state status it had enjoyed for 700 years Sheltered by the Roman administration, Byzantium experienced a 350 years period of relative peace broken only by the Septimus Severus and Pescennius Niger civil war in the 2nd century AD.

The Byzanıines had supported Pescennius and Following his defeat Septimus wrecked his revenge on the city by massacring many of its inhabitants, burning the city on an even grander scale and Byzantium once again entered a period of relative calm, lasting up until the period of Constantine the Great. In 330 AD., the Roman Emperor, Constantine I, proclaimed the ancient city of Byzantium as his capital. The newly rebuilt city subsequently became known as Constantinopolis. The imperial city became one on the most prominent political and religious centers in Christendom during the reign of Constantine, who was said to have been baptised as a Christian on his death-bed. Throughout the 4th and 5th centuries, the city became a target of attack, especially by Goth and Vizigoth warriors. Attila the Hun besieged Constantinople in 440 and for ten years extracted taxes from its residents. During this period of chaos, sectarian arguments occasionally escalated into riots and civil wars. In spite of civilunrest, Constantinople managed to retain its international reknown.

The city's population exceeded that of Rome, especially after the huge wave of Thracian immigrants in the 5th century It was during this time that the outlying suburb of Sycae was created (today's Galata); it grew to accommodate the influx of immigrants and became a significant trading site, connected to the metropolis via a bridge. The Western Roman Empire, on the other hand, was in decline. In 476, the Ostrogoths dethroned Romulus Augustine, the Roman Emperor of the West. Constantinople was soon to become the sole capital of the Roman Empire.

BYZANTINE EMPIRE

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, the Eastern Roman Empire of which Constantinople was the capital, became the Byzantine Empire. Thus, İstanbul was transformed from a "Roman City" to a somewhat Orthodox one, with an eastern accent.

The mid-sixth century marked the beginning of an enlightened age for the Byzantine Empire, and thus, for İstanbul, In contrast with his predecessor, who was not even literate, Emperor Justinian I was an educated and religious man. During his reign the city prospered as an Orthodox Christian capital. St. Sofia's Church was reconstructed during this period.

However, the plague of 543 killed almost half of the city's population. Disaster followed disaster. Fortunately, the infrastructure built by Emperor Justinian I. had made the city fairly resilient against all manner of catastrophes and wars. The late 7th and 8th centuries became years of siege. In the 7th century, İstanbul was attacked by both Persians and Avars. Later, in the 8th century, Hungarian and Muslim Arabs besieged the city. Russian and Hungarian forces, in the 9 th century, also tried to conquer this desirable metropolis. Meanwhile, sectarian conflicts among Christians had become violent, fuelled by the politics of the Emperor who took a decisive position in the matters. The pro/anti-iconography split which divided the population bore a tremendous impact, not only on the city, but on the entire Empire and on Christian theology in particular İstanbul's thriving era was eclipsed by Latin occupation. In 1204 the city was conquered by the Crusaders and was looted mercilessly. The largest city of the Middle Ages, with a population of nearly 500,000 lay impoverished, and in ruins.

THE LATIN INVASION

Istanbul first became familiar with the Crusaders in 1096. The Emperor Alexius rejoiced at the coming of the first crusaders, hoping to regain lands lost in Malazgirt. The agreement was for the Byzantines to support the erusaders and occupy lands taken from the Moslems. The Crusaders didn't go along with the plan and founded the Eastern Catholic Kingdom in Jordan in 1099. The Crusaders were despised by the residents of İstanbul who openly showed their disfavour. Mean.vhile, the Crusades continued and the fourth Crusade ended in the invasion and dividing up of Istanbul. During that period there was a great deal of dissension as to the succession to the throne. The Crusaders, realising their opportunity entered the Golden Horn with the aid of the Venetian. The attack began on 9 April and the city fell on 13 April. For three days, in an unprecedented example of barbarism, Istanbul was looted and the inhabitants murdered. Many important structures, including Haghia Sofia were damaged and hundreds-of-years-old books were burned. Important Byzantine works of art were taken to Europe. The looting became routine and the Crusaders joined with the Venetian to divide Byzantium among themselves, founding the Eastern Catholic Empire. After this, Istanbul grew smaller and poorer. The wealthy and royal and many of the populace fled to Iznik (Nikia). The Eastern Catholic Empire only managed to be sovereign in lstanbul and its environs. Iznik (Nikia), Trabzon (Trebizand) and Epiros in Greece formed a Byzance alliance and surrounded the Eastern Catholıc Empıre ın 1254. Istanbul became even more impoverished, so much so that the Emperor Baudoin II had to resort to using the wooden sections of the palace as fuel to provide heat. Finally, the Palailogos noble family regained Istanbul, thus was the ending of the Eastern Catholic period.

THE SECOND BYZANTINE PERIOD

The second period of the Byzantine Empire starts after the Palailogos Kingdom took Istanbul from the Latins in 1261. During this period, Istanbul would not be able to regain its previous importance and individuality. During this unfortunate period, being subjected to a merciless pillage by the Latins, Istanbul lost many of its historical treasures, as well as its importance for international trade. The decline of Istanbul lasted until the end of this period. Istanbul became a farm city surrounded by fortresses. It lost its entire commercial superiority to Galata (Sycae). Galata became the center of trade and commerce leaving Istanbul behind.

Nevertheless, there was one positive improvement: during the Second Byzantine Period, the fight among religious factions calmed down. Istanbul became the center of Orthodox Christianity during this period. Byzantine art excelled to its apex during this period. The mosaics on the wall of Kariye (St. Savior-in-Chora).

Church is considered as the peak of Byzantine art. During this period, Istanbul was in the center of a gradually shrinking circle surrounded by Ottomans who were conquering Byzantine land continuously in 1373.

Istanbul started paying the Ottomans a tribute tax. In 139.3 Sultan Yıldırım Bayezid and in 1422 Sultan Murad V besieged İstanbul, but they failed. Since Orhan Gazi, the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus was under the control of Ottomans. In the l5th century most of the Thrace, with the exception of several insignificant towns, were under the control of Ottomans.

Thus, the Byzantine emperors of the l5th century were frequently forced to ask help from Catholic Rome. But, in exchange for help, the Papacy demanded the unification of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches under the authority of Rome. In 1452, the Byzantines were compelled to submit to this condition. The demand to celebrate this unification in Haghia Sophia Church, in the center of İstanbul, caused bitter reactions and harsh protests. With the fall of Constantinople in May 1453, the Byzantine Empire became history. This was the starting point of a new and a brighter period for İstanbul.

The seas and the lands have divided the lacework geography of Istanbul into four regions. Old Istanbul City and Galata in the shores of Golden Horn (Haliç) and previously different village now united residential districts are located along the straits of Bosphorus. As the smallest sea of the world, inhabited places along the shores of Marmara Sea shows the magnitude that the city has reached. The Old City is spread over the seven hills of the triangular peninsular surrounded by 22 km of city walls.

Having been in the center of Old World, Istanbul is an important megapole with its historical monuments and wonderful natural scenery. Established where Asian and European Continents were split with a narrow strait, built on two continents, it is the only city that the sea goes through. With its history of over 2500 years, Istanbul had become an important commerce center because of its establishment in this strategic location where land meets sea. Historical city of Istanbul is located on a peninsular, surrounded by Marmara Sea, Bosphorus Straits and Golden Horn.

Istanbul is located in the coordinates of 280 01’ and 290 55’ East longitudes and 410 33’ and 400 28’ North latitudes. While joining Black Sea and Marmara Sea, Istanbul Straits divides Asian and European Continent as well as Istanbul City. The province is bordered by high summits of Kocaeli Mountain Ranges in the East, by Marmara Sea in the South and waterline of Ergene Basin in the West.

Being in the junction where all the roads reach sea, easily defendable peninsular, ideal climate, very rich and generous nature, strategic control of the Straits and strategic location of being in the center of world are all fortune of Istanbul. Istanbul has been of much significance throughout history because of being in the joining point of two continents, being the gateway to the hot climates and oceans and being outer reach of Silk Road extending to Europe.

The city had become the capital city of three great empires, namely Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Turks; and, was ruled by more than 120 emperor and sultans over 1600 years. Istanbul is the only city that has all these features. During its development, the city underwent expansion for four times, which all of them were westward. In the 5th century, there was an Istanbul which was surrounded by city walls of Romans and built over 7 hills.

But, the foundation of today’s Istanbul was grounded in 7th century B.C. Rebuilt by Emperor Constantine in 4th century A.D., the city had been transformed to capital city; since then, it had preserved that title for almost 16 centuries by hosting the capital cities of Rome, Byzantine and Ottomans. Being one of the centers of Christianity starting with Emperor Contantine, Istanbul was considered as one of the most important cities of Islamic World, after its conquest in 1453 by Ottomans.

During these periods of Empires’ reign, it was also the administrative center of the religions, undertaking the Patriarchy of Eastern Christianity till today, rising the first biggest church and monasteries of Christian World on top of pagan temples. Istanbul had assumed its Islamic character with decoration of artifacts, mosques, palaces, schools, baths and other facilities; and current ruins of churches had been repaired, restored and converted to mosques in almost a century after its conquest.

TOPOGRAPHY (GEOMORPHOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHIC THRESHOLDS)

Istanbul Metropolitan is located on Kocaeli and Catalca Peninsulas. Both peninsulas are decayed plateaus. Istanbul and its surrounding, while a bay of Sarmat inner sea at the end of 3rd Period of Miosen Era, in Pilosen Era sea was withdrawn, lands surfaced; later, after the long period of erosion by the decaying of rivers and winds, a wide peneplain appeared with the heights lost and quartzite hills left. And valley in place of Bosphorus Straits was widened. Later, with the rise of northern part in the east of Bosphorus Straits, and the rise of southern part in this peneplain, sea routes changed and decaying by water increased because of the increasing change in the slope of river valleys; big rivers in the east flooded into Black Sea and in the west flooded into Marmara Sea.

In the result of above mentioned geologic movements, the field of Istanbul Metropolitan assumed a look of a worn-out peneplain.

Being grouped as geomorphologic units, valleys, plains, height (light wave heights), higher grounds have no distinct shapes in Istanbul Metropolitan area because of the above-explained reasons. Quartzite hills (Aydos, Kayisdagi, Alemdag, etc.) in (Kocaeli Plateau) resistant to decaying and higher grounds starting from the east of Gebze-Omerli Damn route and continuous rise (+350m) take place in the east of Istanbul Metropolitan area. In this peninsular, ‘water section line’ is closer to Marmara sea shores. The remaining of peneplain includes wider valley base and light waved areas where the flowing direction of the rivers are towards Black Sea.

In the western part (Çatalca or Thrace Peneplain), there is again a peneplain with wide based river valleys, apart from a couple of heights rising up to 200m in some part in Bosphorus – Buyukcekmece – Karacakoy route. But, in this peninsula, ‘water section line’ is closer to the Black Sea. Rivers flow more into Golden Horn, Buyukcekmece and Kucukcekmece Lakes and Marmara Sea. Terkos Lake, however, takes its water mostly from Istiranca Mountains in the northwest. Except for the heights of Istiranca Mountains that are rising up to 350m at some points, there are hills and ridges ranging between 200-350m in the west of Catalca and Kestanelik-Belgrad Village routes.

CLIMATE

There is no definite climate type for the whole Istanbul Province. Because of its geographic location and physical geographic features, it carries different climate features than the ones in the same latitudes.

Being in the low-pressure and high-pressure zones which repeats twice in order, starting from equator on the earth, Istanbul (41 degree north latitude and 29 degree east longitude, Istanbul is in the borders of subtropical high pressure zone and cold-warm part of low-pressure zone; or terrestrial (dry) alize winds and west winds (humid and rainy) of sea. With the movement of earth, various climate conditions are experienced in winter and summer.

Throughout the year, three types of weather is dominant in Istanbul. One is coming from north and south and the other is more calm weather type. Weather types of east-west direction bound are insignificant. Among these three types of weather, highest frequency (most frequent blowing) one comes along when the northern winds are dominant. There are four phases according to the seasons; two transition phases of one short and one long with hot and cold periods.


FLORA

Natural flora of Istanbul Metropolitan area is composed of forest, maquis, pseudo-maquis (adapted to Black Sea climate, transformed, characters of humid, group of tree-like maquis plants) and sea side plants. Adapted to the plant groups in Catalca and Kocaeli have developed their “humid” species in the north and “dry” species in the south.

Kocaeli Peninsula’s pseudo-maquis contains the elements of cornelian cherry, hazelnut, deer thorn (local name), sloe bushes, medlar, white birch, elderberry, sumach, wolf’s bossom (local name) and bear’s grape (local name) whose leaves are falling in the winter; and, of akcakesme, strawberry, heath, daphne (laurel), broom, juniper tar (cad oil), kermes oak, rock rose and gum mastic.

Tree types characterizing the humid forests are more of chestnut, beech, hornbeam, pedunculate oak (English oak) located more in the northeast of Bosphorus Straits, north of Alemdag and surrounding Polonezkoy. In the area between Riva Creek and Gokdere in Agva pedunculate oak in the west and Hungarian oak in the east are the dominant ones.

Flora is not directly related climate only, but also related to the soil type. While all beech groups are populated on unslaked lime brown forest soil, oak and chestnut trees can be seen on brown forest soils.

Seas and land have divided the lacework geography of Istanbul into four pieces. Old Istanbul City and Galata in the shores of Golden Horn and previously different village now united residential districts are located along the straits of Bosphorus. As the smallest sea of the world, inhabited places along the shores of Marmara Sea shows the magnitude that the city has reached. The Old City is spread over the seven hills of the triangular peninsular surrounding it with 22km of city walls. This is a historical settlement area called Byzantine, New or Second Roman Empire, Constantinople or Polis over the years. Marmara and Golden Horn city wall partially vanished over time; the actual landside city walls, however, have relatively survived till today.

Larger west side of triangular peninsular is landside city walls, two other sides are sea-side city walls and cape side on the east is the sea shore of Topkapi Palace. This is the first, the widest and the longest of all seven hills. The palace is like a city within the city, surrounded by city walls, forming a sophisticated structure that exhibits very important and unique works. Two unique places of festive days, Aya Irini (Haghia Irene) and Istanbul Archeology Museum – also an important and unique structure of its kind –, are positioned in the first courtyard of the palace. 8th wonder of world Aya Sofya Museum, as much famous as its beauty Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Yerebatan Palace Basilica are place on the plain of the first hill.

Second hill is the place of the oldest and the biggest “Kapali Carsi / Covered Bazaar”. Nuruosmaniye Mosque and the remaining gift from Roman capital city times - Cemberlitas Pillar - are located here. While Suleymaniye Mosque is placed on the third and Fatih Mosque on the fourth hill of Istanbul, an aqueduct from the Roman times stretches between the two hills. Sehzade Camii and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building are placed here. Providing the water supply of the city in old times, gigantic Roman time open-air water basilicas are place in higher hills. Sultan Selim Mosque on the fifth and Kariye Museum are on sixth hill’s slopes. Passing over the tops of those hills, starting from Ayasofya square, reaching to the gates by branching out, the roads follow the Roman route. Marking the territory on the west, three-row fortified landside city walls are splendiferous examples of Roman military architecture. The city walls reach out to Eyup-Golden Horn (Halic) in the north. Giving its name to the hosting district, Eyup Sultan Camii is known to be the first mosque built in the city.

Golden Horn (Halic) is a bay with 8km. length, narrow, curly as a horn. Unique and magnificent city silhouette of Istanbul can best be enjoyed from sea, from the sea shores of Asian side and from the ferries departing at the entrance of Golden Horn (Halic). Cleansing of Golden Horn is done long ago, fishes returned, enriched with surrounding parks and garden, awaiting the remnants of the old dockyard to be removed. Orthodox Patriarchate and tiny Bulgarian Church are connected to the other side with the old Galata Bridge. Newly established privately owned by Koc family, Koc Museum exhibits interesting objects. Golden Horn has acquired a new sightseeing destination with the machete park, called Miniaturk, holding miniatures of renowned architectures of Turkey.


Galata district and its Beyoglu (Pera) extension carries a significantly different outlook than the old city. Symbolized by Galata Tower, with its uphill roads reaching up Beyoglu, this neighborhood carries and preserves the features of architecture, built under the influence of age-old European architecture. Second oldest subway of Europe, Tunel, still preserves the title of ‘shortest subway’. Upper end of the Tunel is the beginning of İstiklal Street. Apart from reinstalled old tram, it is a pedestrian-only street, surrounded by consulate buildings allocated in early times.

Divan Literature Museum is in the Mevlevi Tekkesi (a building for rituals of a Sufi order built in 18th century). In the midst of the street, famous Galatasaray High School is located just across Cicek Passage with its colorful, authentic restaurants, fish and fruit markets. With all the cinemas, theaters, cafes, restaurants and entertainment centers, line up to the Taksim square, İstiklal Street has joined its longed lively, crowded days and nights. Symbolizing Kurtuluş Savaşı (Salvation War), Ataturk and his friends, embellishes Taksim Square as a monument. Main terminal of new metro subway is placed under Taksim Square and Ataturk Culture Center is located in the north of it.

Five-star Hyatt and Intercontinental Hotels are in the Taksim park. Being the first in its category in Turkey and preserving it still, Istanbul Hilton Hotel (1955) is also lined up in the same place. Radio House, Istanbul Military Museum with its rich and unique content, Lutfi Kirdar Congress Palace and Open-air Theater are located around this quarter. Toward the north, Nisantasi and Sisli are positioned decorated with small boutiques, painting and art galleries, dynamic as ever. To the further north, along the Buyukdere Street and Etiler, plazas, modern shopping malls provide new opportunities to the people of Istanbul and its guests. Sky-rise buildings, rising up in this quarter, certainly, give some diversity to the silhouette of the city.

Enjoying the magnificent view of Suleymaniye Mosques from renovated Galata Bridge is priceless. Valide Mosque and Egyptian Bazaar are just across the bridge. Initially built for spice merchants, with its 100 shops, it is the second largest and crowded place of the city. Shops range from spices, dried fruits to various goods inside and fish, flower and fruit shop outside. Ports in the both sides of the bridge are the starting point of regular domestic ferry lines to the Asian shores, Uskudar, Kadikoy, Bosphorus and the Islands. Fish and bread sold in the small boats go best with the scenery of Istanbul’s straits and become source of inspiration for poems and songs. Living up with the old grandeur of the days of Orient Express, Sirkeci Train Station impatiently awaits to embrace the revitalization of its old days with the near-complete Marmaray Project. While Sepetciler Mansion serves the members of international press, the road going up in front of Sirkeci Train Station to the Istanbul Governorship, called Bab-i Ali Hill, is an important historical street.

The port, stretching out between Tophane and Galata Bridge, is reserved for tourist cruisers. With the cruises starting in April and ending in October, millions of tourists visit Istanbul. Tophane building has been redecorated as a gallery serving to the art life of the city. Further up of this quarter is adorned by Dolmabahce Palace and mosque, shining like a jewellery box in the shores of Bosphorus Straits. Right behind the palace, another five-star hotel, Swiss Hotel, rises. From this point, the beauty of Uskudar and Camlica hills in the shore and Topkapi Palace and Ayasofya in the west can be witnessed.

Bosphorus straits are extended to Black Sea as a curly river, its 30km length can only be seen from an airplane; in its shores holds a view of a lake in every turn from the cape. Sea shores are embellished with palaces, mosque, sea side mansions, giving their color reflected to the sea. The Old City Walls and two suspension bridges witness this beauty of nature. White seagulls follow white ferries. While yachts and ships run down in the dark blue waters, a huge tanker appearing like a black ghost bringing its dangerous load from Black Sea may try to pass this unique beauty passage by threats.

Intermingling with the shine in the night, the north part of the Bosphorus is coated more with the green. Based in the north part of Anatolian side, Beykoz is famous district for its natural beauties where green and blue shades dance in harmony. Historic Oncesmeler, Beykoz Mosque, Beykoz Small Forest, Beykoz Park, Beykoz Turkish Bath, Beykoz Nursery Garden and historical wooden houses with their narrow ornamented streets are among the first to be mentioned. Besides, Anadolu Castle, Kucuksu Mansion, Yoros Castle in Anadolu Kavagi, Tomb of the Prophet Yusa who live during the time of Prophet Moses are located within the boundaries of Beykoz district. Right across Beykoz are Istinye, Yenikoy, Tarabya and Sariyer quarters are other natural beauty attractions of Bosphorus Straits to live in.

Uskudar is the last stop of roads coming from Asia and ending here. Being the shortest passage to Europe, Uskudar is very richly decorated with beautiful mosques. Roads leading up to Camlica hills are covered with trees and with old-new tombs; Buyuk Camlica Hill is the best excursion spot for enjoying the view of Istanbul from a higher point. Through the roads along the shore, Kiz Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower) and Istanbul Peninsular stand out with all their majestic and reach at Kadikoy. The city’s biggest and oldest building in Selimiye Kislasi (Selimiye Barracks), also known as Florence Nightingale Hospital in international arena and Haydarpasa Train Station built in Prussian architectural style are characteristic buildings of the district. Along the sea shores of the city, the commercial port facilities are extended.

Kadikoy is known as one of first inhabitation fields in the mythology. Typical bazaar, beautiful Moda beach, Fenerbahce Park, marina, famous Bagdat Street makes it one of the calm quarters. Losing old mansions with beautiful gardens to the new construction trend, the city accommodates the most modern and biggest shopping centers.

The Islands District still preserves its status to be among the first summer resorts. Although traveling to The Islands fastened with the speedy ferries, only medium of travel on the island is phaetons (carriages pulled by horses). Summer mansions, well-cared gardens are close by to the ports. Main attraction points of the spring and summer seasons become deserted places coated with pinewoods in the winter season. Every season has its own beauty. The Islands District is the ultimate destination for weekend picnics, swimming and yachters.