11 Stunning Cities Built on Ancient Civilizations

4. Istanbul

Istanbul, straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, is a city that has been shaped by the ebb and flow of empires. Formerly known as 'Byzantium' and later 'Constantinople', Istanbul has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. The city's skyline is dominated by the majestic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. The Blue Mosque, with its elegant domes and minarets, stands as a symbol of Ottoman grandeur. Istanbul's rich history is also evident in its bustling bazaars, such as the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, where the scents and sounds evoke the city's vibrant past as a center of trade. The Bosphorus Strait, which divides the city, has been a strategic waterway for centuries, linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. In Istanbul, the past is woven into the fabric of the city life, creating a unique blend of cultures and traditions that continue to captivate visitors from around the world.