This unique city has a long and glorious history. It is hard to believe that so much happened in one place. Book a stay at your choice of Istanbul Turkey vacation rentals, and see for yourself.
The earliest settlement here was a Neolithic community during the 7th millennium B. C. Thracian settlements were made in the 13th century B. C., and again in the 11th century B. C. Byzantium was founded here by Greeks in 660 B. C. There was also a brief Persian rule.
Emperor Constantine made the city the capitol of the Eastern Roman Empire in 330 A. D., and it became known as Constantinople. It was the capitol for the Byzantine Empire in 395, until it became Latin Empire in 1204, then again the Byzantine in 1261. Through out the middle ages it was the most prosperous and largest Western city. Sultan Mehmed The Conqueror took possession in 1453 when it became the Ottoman Empire capitol.
During his reign the city, which had previously declined considerably in population and wealth, was revitalized through extensive architectural, artistic, and modernization works. Large numbers of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim settlers were forced to repopulate the area, giving it a cosmopolitan aura. It was once again the largest city in Europe as the 15th century came to an end.
This empire was defeated in 1923. The new formed Republic of Turkey took control. The official name became Istanbul. From 1980 to 2005 the population tripled, making it the third largest city in the world.
The main reason this place was so coveted and prosperous for so long was its strategic and trading significance, being located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. When you book your next trip and stay at one of many Istanbul Turkey vacation rentals, you can see some of this history for yourself.