| − | '''Istanbul''' ([[Turkish language|Turkish]]: İstanbul), historically known as '''Constantinople''' and '''Byzantium''', is the largest city in [[Turkey]] and amongst the largest of cities in the world, with a population nearing 13 million. For the most part, Istanbul is located in the European part of Turkey, Thrace, but extends into parts of Asia-Minor. While [[Ankara]] is the formal capital of Turkey, Istanbul is largely considered the cultural and financial capital of the nation. Since the Fourth century, Istanbul has been a major city, known by names such as Byzantium and Constantinople. | + | '''Istanbul''' ([[Turkish language|Turkish]]: İstanbul), historically known as '''Constantinople''' and '''Byzantium''', is the largest city in [[Turkey]] and amongst the largest of cities in the world, with a population of 15 million. For the most part, Istanbul is located in the European part of Turkey, Thrace, but extends into parts of Asia Minor. While [[Ankara]] is the formal capital of Turkey, Istanbul is largely considered the cultural and financial capital of the nation. Since the 4th century, Istanbul has been a major city, first known as Byzantium and then Constantinople. |