Istanbul formerly known as Constantinople and Byzantiumis is the largest city and seaport of Turkey. Throughout history, it acquired the status of an economic and cultural place.
Istanbul served as an imperial capital for almost 16 centuries. Over time Istanbul has developed itself into a cosmopolitan city thanks to strategic position on the historic Silk Road, rail networks to Europe and the Middle East.
Istanbul has become a popular touristic destination. Two main attractions which positioned the country’s cultural instance in Europe are Hagia Sophia – the world’s largest church and The Grand Bazaar – the world’s oldest bazaar with thousands of shops.
Today, 14 million people reside in this city. Our quotes about Istanbul will give you an idea how this city has kept its prominence be it culturally, politically or economically throughout history.
If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Holy Istanbul! Your name is the most enchanting one of all names which enchants me.
Pierre Loti
If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.
Alphonse de Lamartine
People were right when they say there is no other place on earth as beautiful looking as Istanbul.
Chateaubriand
Life can’t be all that bad, I’d think from time to time. Whatever happens, I can always take a long walk along the Bosphorus.
Orhan Pamuk
İstanbul is a magical seal which unites Europe and Asia since the ancient times. Without a doubt, Istanbul is certainly the most beautiful place of the world.
Gerard De Nerval
Istanbul, a universal beauty where poet and archeologist, diplomat and merchant, princess and sailor, northerner and westerner screams with same admiration. The whole world thinks that this city is the most beautiful place on earth.
Edmondo De Amicis
Istanbul was something else entirely – a neutral capital that became a magnet for espionage and a desperate escape valve for refugees, a real-life Casablanca.
Joseph Kanon
Maybe Istanbul was the city in the sky where the people who were our reflections lived.
Burhan Sönmez
Street vendors are the songbirds of the streets, they are the life and soul of Istanul, he said. Under no circumstances must they ever be banned.
Orhan Pamuk