Istanbul, which is considered one of the few metropolises of the world, has been the capital of four different empires throughout its history. Istanbul also has a cosmopolitan structure with its combination of different cultures and historical Dec. You can easily visit the historical textures using the Istanbul car rental service.

Istanbul is a bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Thanks to this feature, it has whetted the appetites of many countries for centuries. The capture of Istanbul has adorned the dreams of many commanders. When you land at Istanbul Airport, you have the opportunity to see the whole historical and cultural fabric of the city with Istanbul car rental.

Cradle of Civilizations Istanbul

The history of Istanbul is divided into five major periods in outline. These are the Prehistoric, Byzantine, Eastern Roman, Ottoman and Turkish periods.

Prehistoric Period (3000 BC- 667 BC); Istanbul's Küçükçekmece Lake next to the Yarımburgaz Cave is located. As a result of the excavations of archaeologists, the first traces of human culture were found. It is estimated that Polished Stone Age and Copper Age people lived around the lake.

He is considered to be the person of the Megarans, as the first prominent owners of settlements. The Megarans settled in present-day Kadikoy, calling it "Khalkedon". Various finds belonging to that period have appeared in Fikirtepe, which is connected to Kadıköy.

Historical findings reflecting the Neolithic Period are exhibited in the Istanbul Archaeological museum. Dishes and pottery that have survived to the present day are on display. You can take a trip to the history of Istanbul with Istanbul car rental without getting lost in the traffic of Istanbul and getting confused.

Byzantium Period (667 BC-332 AD); Istanbul was founded as an ancient Greek city-state called Byzantion during this period. Today's Topkap Dec Palace is located between Sarayburnu and the Lifeguard triangle. Byzantion, which has developed over time, is constantly being invaded by other nationalities.

The Eastern Roman Period (196 BC-330 AD); Istanbul was occupied by the Roman Empire in 196 BC. The city was founded by the Roman Emperor Vespasian, 1. in order for it to remain firmly attached to the empire in the XIII century, it is Latinized. The policy of Latinization lasts rapidly, and the name of the city becomes Byzantium.

Roman Emperor Septimius Severus 3. he gave the city to his son Antony in the XIII century. The city continued to be called Byzantium until Antonius founded the Eastern Roman Empire. When the Eastern Empire was established, the city became the capital and its name was changed to Constantinople (Constantine's city).

Byzantine Period (330 AD – 1453 AD); When the borders of the Roman Empire expanded excessively, the East and West were divided into two under the name of the Roman Empire. Who founded the Eastern Roman Empire, l. Constantine replaces the city of Istanbul with the name Constantinople, making it his capital.

The Eastern Roman Empire is recognized in history as a Byzantine State. With Istanbul as the capital, the power of Rome shifted to the east. Constantinople has become the center of Christianity and Greek culture. During this period, the city was equipped with many artistic and architectural monuments. They Dec built many churches, including Hagia Sophia.

Constantinople has been the scene of great changes and developments due to its capital and location. Hippodromes, water canals, city walls, squares and palaces are built. Examples of these are the churches of Hagia Irene, Hagia Sophia, Pammakaristos (Fethiye Museum), Hagia Theodosia (Rose Mosque), Khora (Kariye Museum).

The period of the Ottoman Empire (1453-1922) began on May 29, 1453 in Constantinople, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire II. He was captured by Mehmet. The conquest of Istanbul has an important effect on the closing of an era and the beginning of a new era. The Middle Ages are over, the New Age has begun.

The conquest of Istanbul is also important for the Ottoman Empire. The establishment period has ended, and the ascension period has now begun. He has risen from the State to the Empire.

Constantinople is beginning to be called Constantinople by Muslims. The Greeks, on the other hand, continued to use the Greek "εις τήν Πόλι(ν)" (/is tin boli/) as "to the city". The Ottoman Empire also adopted this name and used it as Istanbul.

Just as the Byzantines equipped the city with churches, the Ottoman Empire surrounded each other with mosques that were masterpieces of art. Some churches, such as Hagia Sophia, have been converted into mosques. Beylerbeyi, Topkapi, Dolmabahce and Yildiz Palaces are masterpieces of art that have come down to the present day from the Ottoman Empire. Süleymaniye, Sultanahmet, Ortakoy and Shamsi Ahmet Pasha mosques are the prominent mosques.

You can easily visit these works of art that shed light on our history thanks to Istanbul car rental. You will be rightfully proud of the magnificent majesty and craftsmanship of palaces and mosques.

The Republican Era (1922- ------); Istanbul lost its ability to be the capital with the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. Its population, which was 850,000 in the first years of the republic, has fallen to 700,000. However, its geographical importance and the ability to become the largest city in the country remained.

I. The period of occupation of the city at the end of World War II and the War of Independence is the period when the city suffered great destruction. In addition, the fact that the young state shifted the entire direction and development of its development to Ankara led to the fact that Istanbul was pushed to the second plan.

It was governed from the center for one term without even a mayor. The governor also held the office of mayor. A noticeable change in this period was in the names of streets and signs. The way of using buildings belonging to the Ottoman dynasty has changed. Hagia Sophia, which was used as a mosque, was turned into a museum.

During the reign of Adnan Menderes, modern construction was carried out in the city. While new paved roads were being built under the name of modernism, the historical fabric was also damaged. During this period, the city underwent a large migration flow. It was during this period that the expression “the stone soil is golden” appeared.

Historical Monuments That You Should See in Istanbul

The Maiden's Tower dates back to 2500 BC. He has witnessed the history of Istanbul from its foundation to the present day. According to information received from the Greek Evripidis, a researcher from Istanbul, this small islet was discovered in BC. it was separated from the Asian part of Istanbul in 410 years.

This small islet has been used as a defensive base from ancient times to the present day. During the Ottoman period, it was used as a lighthouse and a mehteran regiment. Today it is used as a tourist area.

When you land at Istanbul Airport, you can easily go to the Maiden Tower thanks to the Istanbul car rental service. You can go up to the top of the Maiden's Tower and watch the night view of Istanbul while eating your dinner or sipping a drink.

The Basilica cistern (Basilica cistern) was built as a water tank to supply water to the palace during the Byzantine period. This structure, which has huge columns covered with water underground, was forgotten with the conquest of Istanbul. it was found by chance by two Dutch travelers in the 1500s. You can easily visit the Basilica Cistern, which you can add to the Istanbul excursion program, by renting a car in Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace; In this magnificent structure, the construction of which took 17 years, state affairs were carried out and members of the dynasty lived. It is one of the most visited museums in Istanbul. In Topkapi Palace, you can see many artifacts such as holy relics, a Spoonmaker's Diamond, a clothing collection and a Chinese porcelain collection through the Istanbul car rental service.

Dolmabahçe Palace has a special value as the mansion where Atatürk, the founder of the Republic and the first president, lived and died. This palace was used as the main palace in the last 70 years of the Ottoman Empire.

In the palace, which is used as a museum, Atatürk's bedroom, personal belongings, as well as 43 thousand pieces of Ottoman palace items are exhibited. If you want to get to know the Ottoman Dynasty and Ataturk spiritually, you can experience this wonderful weather by renting a car in Istanbul.

Cold Cesme Street; This small street located in the Sultanahmet district stands with Ottoman architecture. There are buildings with Ottoman architecture on this street, which retains its historical texture. If you want to travel to history and live in Istanbul by renting a car, you can visit this street.

Jafar Agha Madrasa; The madrasa has a special importance due to the fact that it was built by Architect Sinan. it has 15 different art workshops, a large hall and a peaceful courtyard. If you want to get rid of your work or travel fatigue and experience calm, you can visit this place by renting a car in Istanbul.