Fun Facts About Istanbul

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Fun Fact Found: Istanbul

The only city in the world, straddling two continents, Istanbul is a magic city located both on Europe and Asia. Here are some interesting information about Istanbul that you might not know;

  • The Bosphorus ferry is the common transportation for locals and a great cruise for tourists. 
  • The city is in two continents literally and it is as large as Belgium and even with almost the same population.
  • There were about 1400 public toilets in Istanbul during the times of the Ottoman Empire, while in the rest of Europe there were none.
  • Known as the symbol of Holland, tulips were originated in Istanbul and were sent from Istanbul to Netherlands.
  • The third oldest subway in the world is in Istanbul, built in 1875. It’s 573 meters long and situated in the Beyoglu district.
  • British author Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel “Murder on the Orient Express” at Pera Palas Hotel in Istanbul. The room she stayed is still preserved as it was.
  • The Galata Tower in Beyoglu, was built in 1348 to be used to house prisoners of war, then it functioned as an observatory, but now it offers a 360-degree viewing gallery of the city. Highly recommended!
  • You will see so much culture and history in Istanbul. Even in one day, you can visit the old town, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern. You can relax at the Hammam, the Turkish bath.

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