Did you know that Istanbul is among the rare cities of the world that spans two continents?

You’ve obviously heard of the mystical Turkish city of Istanbul, haven’t you? Famed for its medieval architecture and delectable cuisine, it attracts millions of tourists every year. Here’s another interesting titbit about this whimsical country—its landscape spans not one but two continents. While Istanbul’s eastern region is in Asia, Europe houses the city’s western region. No wonder it’s widely regarded as the meeting point of the East and the West, where the ancient and the modern co-exist.  

Let’s dive deeper into Istanbul’s geography and global significance. 

Istanbul’s one-of-a-kind geography 
The famous Bosporus Strait runs through Istanbul. You’re probably wondering why this strait is important, aren’t you? For starters, it’s one of the busiest maritime routes in the world. Ships and tankers transport large amounts of oil through this 31-kilometre-long  
waterbody. It also connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and ultimately, to the prominent oceans of the world. 

In Istanbul, specifically, this strait divides the city’s European region from its Asian region. All you have to do is take a short ferry ride across the strait and voilà! You’re on a whole another continent. Isn’t that incredible!? Two suspension bridges have also been constructed over the Bosphorus Strait—the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Bosphorus Bridge II, which is also known as the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. These bridges connect the Asian and European parts of Istanbul. However, walking on them is prohibited for the majority of the year.  

Istanbul at a glance  
Istanbul is considered a global cosmopolitan, cultural and technological hub. Its two sides are very distinct. The European side covers approximately 95% of the city’s landscape and serves as its commercial centre—government buildings, banks and offices are located here. This side also hosts the city’s most stunning landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Istanbul’s Asian side is more serene and less ‘touristy’ than its European counterpart. Although it’s predominantly a residential area, it’s dotted with lush parks, fancy restaurants and local markets. In this way, Istanbul offers visitors an opportunity to get a taste of both Asia and Europe. No wonder it’s the dream destination of so many travel buffs! 

Other cities that stretch across two continents 
Are you under the impression that Istanbul is the world’s only city to stretch across two continents? Well, think again! Istanbul shares this distinction with a few smaller cities. These include the Russian cities Orenburg and Magnitogorsk, as well as Atyrau, a city in western Kazakhstan. Like Istanbul, these cities also stretch across Asia and Europe. Additionally, the Egyptian city of Suez spans both Africa and Asia; it’s separated by the notable Suez Canal.