Host City Istanbul

Istanbul: A world center of great value in the past as well as in the present, Istanbul embraces Asia on the one hand and Europe on the other. Istanbul, with its historical peninsula, numerous scenic and historical beauties is a magnificently unique city that has been capital to many civilizationscapital to many civilizations from past to present and still continues to be home to residents from all over the world. This rooted city, with a history dating back to 300 thousand years before, constitutes a mosaic of many civilizations and cultures combined.

One may come across legacies and monuments of thousands of years behind any door or around any corner in Istanbul. Whether you take a round tour in Istanbul or visit any of the 39 districts nearby, you will catch hold of various historical and natural wonders any minute. You may begin your Istanbul tour at theGrand Bazaar that will enchant you with its bright and pleasant environment while a sense of peace and security will wrap you tightly in Hagia Sophia. A tour of the pearl of the Bosporus, Ortaköy, will let you enjoy the delightful views along the deep blue coast.

With the Black Sea in the north, the Marmara Sea in the south and the Istanbul Strait running in all its glory through the middle of the city, you will experience great moments in Istanbul and witness the unique combination of the Mediterranean and Black Sea climates. You may encounter a hot and humid weather in the summer and a cold and snowy weather in the winter.

Watching the flying seagulls at Eminönü by the time the rising sun illuminates the city, you will notice the docked boats rocking gently as if to greet you. What’s more, you won’t be able to resist the fresh scent of the city when the first ray of lights illuminate the shimmering fishes swimming around the fishing twines.

The setting sun illuminates the city like a painting every evening. The candle- like silhouettes of the mosques rise above the historical peninsula to greet the city while the sun and the moon salute each other as the day turns into night. Right at that moment you will feel like a sultan in the cradle of civilizations.

Bridging two continents, this unique city, where one can encounter people from different countries and witness diverse cultures merging in harmony, will awaken completely different feelings in you.

There is a lot to experience and share in Istanbul. Are you ready to explore this magic city?