Free Istanbul Guide
Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, has a rich and diverse history that spans over two and a half millennia. Here is a brief overview of the history of Istanbul:
Ancient Times:The area where Istanbul is located has been inhabited since the Neolithic period (around 6,000 BCE). The ancient Greeks established a colony named Byzantium on the site in the 7th century BCE. It later became part of the Roman Empire and served as an important trading hub.
Byzantine Empire:In 330 CE, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great chose Byzantium as the new capital of the Roman Empire and renamed it Constantinople. It became the capital of the Byzantine Empire, which lasted for over a thousand years. During this period, Constantinople flourished as a center of trade, art, and intellectual pursuits.
Ottoman Empire:In 1453, the Ottoman Empire, under the leadership of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, captured Constantinople, bringing an end to the Byzantine Empire. The city was renamed Istanbul and became the new capital of the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul grew in size and grandeur and became a significant cultural, political, and economic center.
