Istanbul, originally known as Byzantium, was settled by Greek colonists in 667 B.C. It was a wealthy city protected by high walls and it stood strong for centuries repelling many enemies. In 196 A.D., Byzantium was besieged by Rome and defeated. Warriors and leaders were slaughtered. The walls were pulled down and much of the city was destroyed. When Roman Septimium Severus became emperor, he rebuilt Byzantium to exceed its former grandeur. Constantine the Great took control of Byzantium in 330 A.D. and renamed it Constantinople after himself. Due to its strategic location, bridging two continents, Constantinople controlled the trade route from Europe to Asia and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea. Surrounded by water on three sides and land walls, it remained virtually impregnable for over 1000 year.

When Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, the city went through a complete cultural change. Hagia Sophia was converted from a Christian church to a mosque. Each new sultans built more magnificent mosques and more grand palaces. Ottoman rule lasted until World War I, when they made the mistake of siding with the Germans and lost. The Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923. After being known as Constaninople for over 1500 years, in 1930 the name was formally changed to Istanbul. In the1960s, the government of Adnan Menderes redeveloped Istanbul, renovating and restoring its treasures and building new roads and modern facilities. Istanbul has been fought over, conquered, pillaged and rebuilt many times through the centuries. It has suffered earthquakes and terrorist attacks and survived and thrived. Today, tourism is up over 41% and Istanbul’s future looks bright.