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The Istanbul eguide gives you all the essential information, and more, about this unique city where East meets West. No other city in the world can claim to span two continents like Istanbul does, so whilst you can choose from the benefits of high-class hotels and restaurants you can also experience the history and culture of this country which helped to shape both Europe and Asia . The Istanbul eguide gives you all the facts about the numerous attractions, a history of the city, details of entertainment, and advice on how best to get here and around Istanbul .
Istanbul is situated in the north west of Turkey and is the country's largest city, and the 4 th largest city in the world, with a population of over 11 million people, increasing rapidly year on year. Istanbul is the financial and cultural centre of Turkey , but is not the capital city – a privilege which falls to Ankara .
Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait , which makes for an enchanting setting. On the western shore of the Bosphorus is Europe whilst on the eastern shore is Asia . The two sides are linked by two bridges and numerous ferries, though travelling between the two you would hardly be aware that you had just passed into a different continent!
The city is further divided by the Golden Horn, an estuary on the European side forming the northern boundary of the Sultanahmet Peninsula where the old city of Istanbul is situated. It is here that you'll find most of the popular tourist sites, such as the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya and Topkapi Palace .
Istanbul 's old city has one of the most recognisable skylines in the world, set against the hills which surround the city and with the Bosphorus in the foreground, the huge domes and tall minarets of Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque dominate the skyline and appear almost fairy-tale like and mystical at sunset in particular.
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