Istanbul Short History
Istanbul, with its thousands of years of history, distinctive architectural buildings, rich cultural richness, millions of people, and bustling economic life, is a vital tourist draw today as it was yesterday. It served as the capital city during the Roman, Eastern Roman/Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. History does not end at Istanbul. History can be found not only in books and archives, but also in buildings, streets, cemeteries, parks and gardens, trees and plants, and neighborhood names in Istanbul.
Today With over 15 million citizens and a rapidly developing economy, Istanbul is Europe's most populated metropolitan area. Since the middle of the twentieth century, its population has expanded significantly, owing primarily to internal migration from Turkey's rural districts. Dealing with the effects of rapid growth is one of the city's biggest concerns. It must also accommodate new residents while maintaining access to green space, water resources, and a high standard of living. To solve these concerns, the city's infrastructure has experienced a number of significant enhancements in recent years. For example, eleven National Gardens are currently being implemented to provide open and green spaces based on aesthetic, ecological, and environmental qualities.
One of the most essential components of the city's infrastructure development is the creation of new transportation links. The most significant linkages are the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, the Marmaray Tunnel, the Eurasia Tunnel, and the Kuzey Marmara Highway. Furthermore, Istanbul Airport is one of the world's largest. Long-term values
Istanbul has a large cultural legacy, and the city's ancient peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some features, such as the massive Valens Aqueduct, date back to Roman times. The skyline of the city is dominated by Byzantine and Ottoman structures. The Hagia Sophia, the world's biggest cathedral, was dedicated in 537 AD. It is now a mosque. Two of Istanbul's most significant historical structures are the 16th-century Süleymaniye Mosque and the 17th-century Blue Mosque. Other Ottoman-era sites include the Topkapi Palace, which served as the palace and administrative headquarters for the Ottoman sultans for decades.
A variety of entities, notably the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, define Istanbul's cultural and heritage policy. The majority of public investment is focused on historical preservation and the establishment of cultural centers. Tourists and residents have been able to enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Istanbul from the Galata Tower, Turkey's highest structure, from May 2021.
One of Istanbul's concerns, like that of other old cities, is the conflict between modernity and preservation. Several studies have been undertaken on this subject. The very old Karaköy district, for example, has become a popular and artistic neighborhood. The Galataport Project seeks to make the neighborhood a significant entrance to Istanbul, complete with a big cruise ship terminal, a luxury hotel, and cultural and art centers such as Istanbul Modern and the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Painting and Sculpture Museum. The Golden Horn shipyard (Tersane *Istanbul), built in the 15th century by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, is being renovated in order to become a touristic cultural attraction. In addition to transferring the Sadberk Han*m Museum to Tersane, Istanbul, the complex will include hotels, offices, a fishermen's pier, and restaurants, creating a multipurpose living area. As one of Istanbul's landmarks, the Atatürk Cultural Center began holding concerts and exhibitions in 2012, with its distinctive architecture.
Along with cultural treasures, the Go Istanbul platform provides five tourism senses: taste, smell, touch, and listening.
Istanbul successfully combines heritage and modernity. It is an old city with an unrivaled cultural history, as well as a robust economy, a young population, and a thriving modern cultural scene. Its task is to capitalize on these prospects while regulating expansion to maintain the distinctiveness of its culture and traditions.
The Istanbul Directorate of Culture and Tourism is in charge of the city's cultural policies. This is part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and plays a vital role. The culture of Momente City. These include the preservation and protection of historical and archaeological monuments, as well as the promotion of art and culture. They also include maintaining educational services such as libraries and conducting research and policies to enhance residents' social life. In order to organize programs, events, and provisions, the Directorate collaborates closely with the City's cultural institutions. The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (KSV), a non-profit organization created in 1973, is among them. The Istanbul Biennial, the Istanbul Design Biennial, the Leyla Gencer Voice Competition, and Filmekimi are all organized by the KSV. KSV conducts research and provides reports as part of its responsibility in contributing to the formation of cultural policy.
