Istanbul is built on seven hills and surrounded by city walls. On the threshold of the 21st century it is experiencing the most socially and economically developed period in the history, as well as the most populous. It is the largest commercial center in the country and, together with the neighboring provinces, has attained, for the first time in its history, a major industrial potential. The 20th century has left the imprint on the city, transforming it substantially. This book gives an overview on the geography and history of Turkey, Us population, economic situation and educational conditions, and presents photographs and outlines the historical wealth, natural beauties and touristic possibilities of Istanbul. The peerless silhouette of Istanbul and its other monuments and panoramas adomed with the domes and minarets set on hills surrounded by the sea is introduced starting with the first hill. This first hill was the site of the original settlements in the city, as well as that of the palaces and masterpieces of the later empires. Starting from this easternmost point within the city walls, the other architectural works are lined up toward the west. Those historical buildings created under the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires over a period of 1800 years stand side by side the modern buildings that the Turkish Republic has contributed to the city in the last seventy-five years. The introduction of the shores of the Golden Horn, the beauties of Bosphorus and the elegant buildings dotting its banks is followed by information about the districts and towns of Kilyos, Üsküdar, Şile, Kadıköy and the Princes Islands.

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