Istanbul is a unique city located on two continents with a rich history spanning 2,000 years. Its multicultural background is evident in its architecture, cultures, and religions. Famous landmarks include the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, with a history that includes early Christianity and the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Part Europe and part Asia, Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents. During its 2,000-year history, Istanbul has been a focal point of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Even its name has changed, from Byzantium to Constantinople to Istanbul. The city’s multicultural background is evident in its eclectic architecture, coexisting cultures, and myriad religious beliefs. Istanbul is home to some of the most famous churches and mosques in the world, including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
A confluence of cultures:
Biblical scholars believe that Noah’s Ark landed on Agri Dagi, also known as Mount Ararat, in eastern Turkey.
The rise of early Christianity is evident in Istanbul. St. John, St. Paul and St. Peter all lived and prayed in southern Anatolia.
The Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Greek Orthodox church by the Byzantines, but was used as a mosque for 500 years during the Ottoman Empire. It is now a museum.
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