Exploring Istanbul

Before exploring its each corner, let's have take a closer view at Istanbul’s geography, climate and its economy.
GeographyIstanbul is bounded on the north and the south by two seas, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, respectively. The western half of the city lies in Europe while the eastern half is situated in Asia; in between the two halves flows the Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul, representing the Asian city nearest Europe and the European city closest to Asia, is a leading port whose importance is stressed by the age-old trade routes passing through the Bosphorus.
Lying at 28° 01’ E longitude and between the latitudes 41° 33’ and 40° 28’ N, Istanbul strikingly exhibits a dual character, partaking of both the East and the West.
ClimateIstanbul enjoys four seasons. Spring in April and May is generally cool and brief. June exhibits traces of spring and hints of summer. The temperature in July and August averages 30° C. with high humidity. Fall is leisurely, lasting from September to December.
The temperatures are moderate—swimming in the sea till the end of September is not unusual—but it rains frequently. The weather is chilly between December and March but not severe (average temp. 5° C.). Only a few days are snowy with freezing temperatures.
Overview of TurkeyCapital: Ankara Area: 780,000 sq. k.Population: 72.3 million Official Language: TurkishCurrency: New Turkish lira International Telephone Code: 00+9