Between Europe and Asia: A Brief History of Istanbul

Between Europe and Asia
Istanbul, which used to be known as Constantinople and Byzantium, is the most populous
city in Turkey, and one of the largest cities in the world, with the population of nearly 15
million people.Built on the Bosphorus strait (a narrow passage linking two seas), this
magical city connects two continents. It only takes several minutes to move from Europe
to Asia by boat. It is a city where more than two millennia of history awaits you.
A Brief History of Istanbul
 The first recorded name of the city, Byzantium, is more than 2,500 years old. At
that time, the city belonged to the Greeks.
 Istanbul was named Constantinople after Constantine the Great, who made the
city the new eastern capital of the Roman Empire in 330 AD.
 The city stood strong for over a thousand years until it was conquered by the
Ottomans in 1453. Constantinople was the last remaining outpost of the Roman
Empire.
 Istanbul stayed the center of political power and commerce of the Ottoman
Empire until World War I, when the Empire ceased to exist.
 After the War of Independence, the city of Ankara, strategically located in the
center of the country, was declared the new capital city of the Republic of Turkey.
 Istanbul remains the fastest developing and most popular city in Turkey to date.
ATTRACTIONS:
Topkapi Palace
This large complex on the Bosphorus is one of the most visited museums in Turkey.
However, in the 15th century, it was the main residence of the
Ottoman sultans (emperors). The palace consisted of four main courtyards, many smaller
buildings and a harem, the place where all the women of the palace lived.
As the empire was expanding, Topkapi Palace gradually lost its importance for the
sultans. Today, only a few of Topkapi's several hundreds of rooms and chambers are
open for visitors.
Spice Bazaar
When in Istanbul, make sure you go to one of the bazaars (markets). The most famous
one, of course, is the big Spice Bazaar. Built in the 17th century, this covered market is a
perfect place to meet the locals and try their products. In addition to a variety of colorful
spices, you can also buy jewelry, honey, nuts and dried fruits, all produced locally. Feel
free to bargain for some more expensive products.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Also known as the Blue Mosque due to the colors of its walls and domes, this is one of
the most magnificent structures in the city. Although it is over a thousand years younger,
the Sultan Ahmed Mosque sits right next to Hagia Sophia. It is still a fully functional
mosque, which means that tourists also have to obey the religious rules if they want to
enter inside and see its amazing interior.
Things to do in Istanbul:
 Go to a hamam, a traditional Turkish bath for a massage or a sauna. Many of

Istanbul's baths are historical places, so they are nice to see from the inside.
 Enjoy traditional Turkish breakfast in Besiktas, one of the city's busiest

neighborhoods. If you want to eat like a local, your breakfast, consisting of
cheese, honey, eggs, gevrek (Turkish bagel) and vegetables, should take hours.
 Buy Turkish delight (lokum) from one of the markets. These delicious sweets
come in different flavors, the most popular being pistachio or pomegranate. They
go perfectly with a cup of black Turkish tea, which is the national drink of Turkey.
Comprehension Exercises
1. What does "mosque" mean?
A. any large building in Istanbul
B. a Turkish square
C. a Muslim place of worship
1. What does "outpost" mean?
A. a sent letter or package
B. a camp located in the countryside
C. a remote part of a country or empire
2. What does "bargain" mean?
A. offering to pay more for something
B. offering to buy something at a lower price
C. asking to get something for free

Wh Questions
16. Why did Ankara become the capital of modern Turkey?
A. because it is bigger than Istanbul
B. for practical reasons
C. for strategic reasons
17. What is the national drink of Turkey?
A. Turkish coffee
B. black tea
C. pomegranate juice
2. Who named the city Byzantium?
A. the Greeks
B. the Romans
C. the Ottomans
19. Where is the Topkapi Palace located?
A. in Besiktas
B. outside Istanbul
C. along the Bosphorus

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Between Europe and Asia

 Go to a hamam, a traditional Turkish bath for a massage or a sauna. Many of

 Enjoy traditional Turkish breakfast in Besiktas, one of the city's busiest

A. any large building in Istanbul

C. a Muslim place of worship

1. What does "outpost" mean?

A. a sent letter or package

B. a camp located in the countryside

C. a remote part of a country or empire

2. What does "bargain" mean?

A. offering to pay more for something

B. offering to buy something at a lower price

C. asking to get something for free

16. Why did Ankara become the capital of modern Turkey?

A. because it is bigger than Istanbul

B. for practical reasons

C. for strategic reasons

17. What is the national drink of Turkey?

2. Who named the city Byzantium?

19. Where is the Topkapi Palace located?

C. along the Bosphorus

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