Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents. It is a fusion of the East and West, and has a rich and detailed history dating back to 3000 BC. Since its beginnings, the city has been used as a trading passage and has been known as a centre for world trade since the Byzantine era. It sits on seven hills, with one half of the city in Europe and the other half in Asia, separated by a body of water known as the Bosphorus.

Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise. Long are the days of selling slaves. Today, stalls sell beautiful Turkish trinkets, rugs, spices and jewellery. It is a thriving city, and although no longer the capital of Turkey, it still holds a great importance throughout the country.