Istanbul is often described as “the crossroads of Europe and Asia”. This metropolis of 12 million has been the center of world trade since the Byzantine era when its silks, carpets, sweets and jewelry were the envy of all empires.
Istanbul is located on the 20-mile Bosphorus Strait, a coveted stretch of water connecting the trade routes of the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and the Mediterranean, and dividing the city into Asian and European sides. Protected by water on three sides, Istanbul has also been an ideal military watch point with its natural harbor - the Golden Horn Because of this its situation as fortress, port and commercial center it is no surprise that Istanbul's imperial history stretches back for more than 1500 years. To this day, Istanbul is Turkey's economic center where nearly half the country's wealth is concentrated.
In short, this is an amazing city and I hope that your visit is going to be nothing but fun. However, better safe then sorry, so lets get this un-fun part of our guide out of the way:
