With a population of over 18.8 millions Istanbul is a Megalopolis and the main financial, shopping and cultural center of Turkey. Spread over 27 of the 39 districts of the province with the same name as one of the largest metropolises in the world. The economic capital of Turkey and the prefecture of the province with the same name. The European side is located in the historical region of Thrace and Asia in Anatolia. Officially called Istanbul on 28 March 1928. Along with Athens and Rome, Constantinople's, that is Istanbul's most venerable ranks among the capitals of Europe.

As in most European cities, especially in crowded areas of Istanbul, pickpockets have created all sorts of strategies to let you watch and without travel documents. Do not rely too much sense of "safety" seeing so many police. Istanbul is home of three of the biggest clubs in European football and probably Turkey: Besiktas, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. It is advisable not to wear club colors: black, blue and yellow, red and yellow, especially on days of matches between the sides, due to rivalry and violence that takes place between supporters.