ISTANBUL (BYZANTIUM, CONSTANTINOPLE)
Istanbul embraces two continents, one reaching out to Asia, the other to Europe.
Byzantium, according to legend, was founded by Byzas, who followed the instructions
from the Oracle of Delphi for him to "build opposite those who are blind." He took this
to be opposite of Chalcedon, whose inhabitants had not chosen such a good place.
Through the city's heart, course the Bosphorus straits, the waters of the Black Sea, the
Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. The former capital of three successive empires:
Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Today Istanbul honors and preserves the legacy of
its past while looking forward to its modern future. Indeed it is Istanbul's variety that
fascinates its visitors. The museums, churches, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and
sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows on the opposite
shore, you will understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago
settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. At times such as these, you feel that
Istanbul is truly one the most glorious cities in the world.