Geography, districts and key features of Turkey's economic capital
Istanbul is one of the world's few major cities spread across two continents, Europe and Asia, with the Bosphorus dividing it into a European and an Asian side. Once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it is today Turkey's economic, commercial and cultural capital and the main destination for investment, property-based residency and business in Turkey.
Administratively, Istanbul is divided into 39 districts (ilçe), of which 25 are on the European side and 14 on the Asian side.
The European side is home to the historic old city (Fatih), business and financial centers (Şişli, Levent, Maslak) and lively cultural neighborhoods such as Beyoğlu. Most tourist attractions, famous hotels and Istanbul's main airport are on this side, and population density and traffic are generally higher than on the Asian side.
The Asian side, connected to the world through Sabiha Gökçen Airport, is more residential and quieter in character. Neighborhoods such as Kadıköy, Üsküdar and Ataşehir are popular choices for family life and property-based residency. Living and housing costs in many districts on this side are more affordable than on the European side.
From Beşiktaş and Şişli to Kadıköy and Üsküdar — get to know all of Istanbul's districts at a glance.
