Quick Fact
The name Constantinople officially changed to Istanbul in 1930, following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and the relocation of the capital to Ankara.
Where exactly is Istanbul located?
Istanbul sits astride the Bosphorus Strait, linking Europe and Asia, making it one of the world’s few transcontinental cities. Its strategic position at the crossroads of trade routes has shaped empires, cultures, and economies for millennia. As Turkey’s largest city, it remains a vibrant hub of commerce, tourism, and history.
When did the name change happen?
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°00′N 28°58′E |
| Population (2026 est.) | Approximately 16.2 million |
| Historical name | Byzantium |
| Modern founding | Established as Constantinople in AD 330 |
| Official name change | 1930 |
Why did the name change from Constantinople to Istanbul?
Founded as Byzantium by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC, the city was renamed Constantinople in AD 330 when Emperor Constantine the Great made it the capital of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, the Ottomans, led by Mehmed II, captured the city and used the name İstanbul, derived from the Greek phrase eis tin Polin (“to the City”). The name Constantinople persisted in the West until the Republic of Turkey officially adopted Istanbul in 1930.
Greeks still call the city Konstantinoupoli (Κωνσταντινούπολη), which shows how deeply its classical roots run. You’ll see this history everywhere—Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman palaces, and modern skyscrapers all stacked together in one place.
How do you get to Istanbul?
As of 2026, Istanbul is accessible via two international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The city offers a mix of historic sites like the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar, alongside modern attractions such as the Istanbul Modern Art Museum.
Most visitors find English works fine in tourist areas. Public transit is solid, too—take the Marmaray tunnel to hop between the European and Asian sides in minutes.
