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Istanbul Travel Guide

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Fun Facts

by Wcities Travel Guides

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.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 621

Istanbul Travel Experiences

Traveler Photos of Istanbul

The view of Istanbul from Topkapi Palace Blue mosque from the park The Bosphorus seen from the Black Sea side 5f7bec4ed2de85554a05882d62ddd6e2
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Hotels near Istanbul