Istanbul is where you can be standing on two continents at the same time. Do you not believe us yet? Well, that's why we're here—to share the top 10 interesting facts about Istanbul like these that seem too good to be true.  

If you still do not believe us after reading this blog, book your journey with the leading travel agency, Next Holidays, and see it with your own eyes. So, what do you say? Let’s find out all the fun stuff that lies behind the beautiful architecture and thrilling hot air balloons of Turkey, shall we? 

Fun Fact #1: Istanbul Is the City of Cats 



If you’re someone who loves cats, you’ll love Istanbul more than anyone else. On the other hand, if you’re someone who’s not much into cats, you’re definitely going to fall in love with them, because they’re technically going to be EVERYWHERE.  

Be it a park, waterfront, cafe, or home, cats are literally all around the place. This is why Istanbul is known as the “City of Cats.” The best part is that the locals take care of and love these felines, which says a lot about the community overall.  

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Fun Fact #2: The World’s Only Famous City Located on Two Continents  



One of the best facts about Istanbul Turkey is that it is the only famous city in the world that spans across two continents, Europe and Asia. This is also why you’ll find a unique blend of both cultures: Eastern and Western cultures.  

Since the continents are divided by the Bosphorus Strait, all you need is a short ferry ride to go from one continent to another. Experience two different worlds in just one day! 

Fun Fact #3: The Origin of Santa Claus 



You might already know that Saint Nicholas is the famous historical figure who inspired Santa Claus. Well, Saint Nicholas was born in Patara, which is just 700 km from Istanbul. So, when you’re in Istanbul, you can always visit the birthplace of Saint Nicholas. Isn’t that amazing? 

Planning to visit Patara? Do not forget to go for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Check out this guide to the best hot air balloon destinations to know all about it! 

Fun Fact #4: The Name of Istanbul Has Changed Over Time 



Istanbul has been renamed several times. As a matter of fact, the city was not known by this name until 1923. Initially, it was called Byzantium, which was a Greek colony established in 657 BC.  

Later, in 330 AD, Emperor Constantine renamed it to Constantinople and made it the capital of the Roman Empire. Once the Republic of Turkey was formed in 1923, the name Istanbul became official. Oh, what a fun fact about Istanbul! 

Not sure which places to visit during your tour in Istanbul? Well, we’ll do you one up. Here are the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Turkey. 

Fun Fact #5: The World’s Third Oldest Subway Is Here 



One of our favorite Istanbul history facts is that the third-oldest subway in the world is located here. This underground railway system is a short funicular railway. The Tünel (literally translating to tunnel) started functioning in 1875 and connects the Galata and Beyoğlu districts on the European side of the city. 

This 573-meter-long subway was built after the London Underground of 1863 and the New York City Subway of 1868. Being one of the first cities to have a traditional subway truly speaks about the history and progress of Istanbul.  

Fun Fact #6: Galata Tower Was a Fire Watchtower 



You might have already heard of the famous Galata Tower, which offers mind-blowing panoramic views of the city. Well, this attraction was initially a fire watchtower and was used as a prison during the Ottoman era. Yes, you read it correctly—Galata Tower was once a prison.  

In addition to this, it has also served as the best lighthouse for ships entering the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn. Since we’re talking about Galata Tower facts, we didn’t think we’d mention this, but it is rumored to be a place where an alchemist experimented long ago.  

One thing is for sure: the tower’s build is so strong that it has survived major earthquakes. Nonetheless, it was roofless for almost a century due to destruction by storms and fire. It was later restored in 1967.  

Recommended: Turkey Holiday Packages from UAE 

Fun Fact #7: Grand Bazaar Is Among the Oldest Covered Markets 



If you’ve been to Istanbul, you would have already visited the Grand Bazaar. But if you haven’t, you must know some of the top Grand Bazaar Istanbul facts. First of all, this market is among the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.  

Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror began the market’s construction in 1461. The first covered bazaar was called Cevahir Bedesten and was aimed at generating profits for the Hagia Sophia. Later, in the 16th century, the Grand Bazaar expanded substantially during Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent’s reign. What we see today is what has been like since 1701.  

The Bazaar consists of over 4,000 shops that span across 61 covered streets. Presently, there are 22 gates for entering the market. So, can you guess the size of this huge market? Well, it’s 30,700 square meters! Of course, there’s a reason why it’s called the Grand Bazaar.  

Fun Fact #8: "Murder on the Orient Express" Was Written in Istanbul 

"Murder on the Orient Express", a famous novel by the great novelist Agatha Christie, was written in Istanbul. Yes, that’s right. She wrote this murder mystery during her stay in the city. It was no other than the renowned Pera Palace Hotel where she stayed and penned down her creative imagination. Isn’t this one of the most fun facts about Istanbul we’ve learned yet? 

Fun Fact #9: Istanbul Is NOT the Capital City 



For those of us who are a bit weak in geography, Istanbul is the city that comes to our minds when we think about the capital of Turkey. However, Ankara is the capital city, not Istanbul. But that doesn’t mean that Istanbul was never the capital.  

The city has served as the capital of three great empires, namely the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. This is because of its strategic location on two different continents. As a matter of fact, Istanbul was the capital for around 1,500 years. In 1923, the Turkish Republic changed its capital to Ankara.  

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Fun Fact #10: Hagia Sophia Has Played Several Roles 



You are not going to believe the final fact of the top 10 Istanbul facts that we’re now going to share. Well, it may seem unbelievable, but it’s true, my friend; it really is. So, have you heard of Hagia Sophia? It was actually built in the 6th century and was the world’s largest cathedral for around a thousand years. It was then called the Byzantine Cathedral because it was both the political and religious heart of the Byzantine Empire.  

Later, in 1453, after Constantinople's conquest, the Byzantine Cathedral was changed into the Ottoman Mosque. At this time, Islamic features as well as minarets became an addition to the mosque. From here on, it continued to serve as a mosque for centuries, where the Ottoman Empire worshipped.  

Centuries later, in 1935, Turkey’s secular government converted the mosque into the State Museum, behind which the aim was to secularize the nation. Finally, in 2020, Hagia Sophia was again changed into a mosque by the government. Presently, the Grand Mosque is open as a tourist attraction as well as a place for religious worship.  

So, how did you like our top 10 favorite and most interesting facts about Istanbul Turkey? We think you’ll find the city even more interesting and attractive in person!