Istanbul : a tale of three cities

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Istanbul serves as a gateway between East and West, renowned as one of the greatest cities globally. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it uniquely spans two continents, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Throughout its extensive history, it has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. The city's architecture showcases its diverse cultural heritage, featuring landmarks like the Hagia Sophia (Byzantine), the Blue Mosque (Ottoman), the Valens Aqueduct (Roman), and the Topkapi Palace (Ottoman), alongside modern Art Nouveau avenues, many recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Ankara became the capital, leading to Istanbul being somewhat overlooked. However, over the past 90 years, the city has transformed significantly, especially in the 1970s when its population surged as people flocked for work, establishing it as Turkey's cultural, economic, and financial hub. Recent events have once again placed Istanbul in the global spotlight. While writing this narrative, the author experienced the turmoil of Taksim Square firsthand with her daughters. This rich portrait of a multifaceted city has been over a decade in the making, offering a visceral and immediate account of its vibrant history.