Istanbul and Anatolia: A journey through Turkish history

Istanbul serves as a historical gateway between Thrace and Anatolia, situated strategically on the Bosphorus Strait connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. The city has undergone numerous historical transformations, having been known as Byzantion, Constantinople, and Kostantîniyye before becoming modern-day Istanbul.

Key historical and cultural sites in the region include the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern. The Topkapi Palace, which served as the residence for Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries, and the Grand Bazaar are also central to the city's heritage.

Travel routes through Turkey extend from Istanbul to Ankara, where the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations houses artifacts ranging from prehistory to the Roman period. The journey continues to Cappadocia, featuring unique geological formations and ancient underground cities such as Ozkonak, Saratli, or Mazi.