Istanbul

Fun Facts

Istanbul

Province: Istanbul

Country: Turkey

Istanbul By The Numbers:

Population: 10,000,000 (though some estimates have it millions higher)

Elevation: 121 feet

Average Annual Rainfall: 25.8 inches

Average Annual Snowfall: 18 inches

Average January Temperature: 0 degrees C

Average July Temperature: 23 degrees C

Quick Facts:

Major Industries: textiles, glass, shoes, motor vehicles, ships, and cement

Ethnic Mix: 90% Turkish, 4% Kurdish, 6% Greek, Armenian, Jewish and other minorities

Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz; two or three round prongs

Time Zone: GMT +2

Country Dialing Code: 90

Area Code: Asia 216 / Europe 212

Did You Know?

Istanbul was founded in 660 BC as Byzantium. In 330 AD, it was renamed Constantinople by Constantine the Great, who made it the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. In 1204, the city was sacked by Crusaders, and two and a half centuries later it was taken by the Turks. Istanbul was chosen as the official name in 1930.

Orientation:

Istanbul is located in the northwest part of the country on both sides of the Bosphorus where the strait enters the Sea of Marmara.

Community

Travelers' Reviews
Join other travelers in discussing the best places to eat, sleep and visit while on your vacation.
Share Your Photos and Video
Show your fellow travelers the world as you've seen it through the lens of your camera.


Travel Ideas

Mysterious Journeys
Mysterious Journeys
Explore the unknown. Aliens, Dracula and more. Eerie occurrences surround us and Travel Channel has unearthed the creepiest and kookiest.
Romantic Vacations
Romantic Vacations
Can you feel the love? Start planning the unforgettable romantic journey you and your love have always dreamed you'd take.

Book Your Trip

Wherever you're going, we can help you get there - and for less.

Search for Deals Now

Air

Type of flight:

Hotel

Search:

Car at airport

Search:

Car in city

Vacation Package

 

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
Join Anthony Bourdain as he travels the world seeking the authentic experiences and food that flavor the world's cultures.
Most Haunted Live
Most Haunted Live
The 'Most Haunted' team investigates Winchester Mystery House for a 7-hour, live broadcast on Friday, Oct. 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

TRAVEL CHANNEL NEWSLETTER

C Block story 1 photo

Get the best of Travel Channel delivered directly to your In-box. Sign up now.

TRAVEL CHANNEL GO

Travel Go Channelo

Download our free mobile service

Travel Channel GO, and find all the hot spots.