Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey and economic capital of Turkey
The word Istanbul is a Greek Byzantine word which means “in the city”
Istanbul is known by a number of names. The most important of which is “City of Minarets” and City of the Seven Hills”
Istanbul is rich in history, geography, economy, tourism, investment, and real estate. We will review the real state sector in more details in the coming sections
History of Istanbul:
The recent boring of Marmara Tunnel revealed the existence of a colony dating back to seventh millennium BC
Furthermore, recent discoveries in Asian side of Istanbul revealed findings dating back to the Bronze Age
In addition, The Phoenicians established a trade route to Istanbul in 1,000 BC
Istanbul is in rich in history with first record of history dates back to 660 BC
Constantine conquered Istanbul in 324 AD and renamed it Constantinople in 330 AD
Istanbul was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Muhammad al-Fateh in 1453
Most historians view the conquest of Constantinople by Muhammad al-Fateh as the beginning of the modern era
The capital of Turkey was moved from Istanbul to Ankara in 1923 by founder of Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Istanbul is the only city that was the capital of four empires:-
Roman: 330 AD to 395 AD
Byzantine: 395 AD to 1204 AD and 1261 AD to 1453 AD
Latin: 1204 AD to 1261 AD
Ottoman: 1453 AD to 1922 AD
Istanbul was known by many names such as Byzantium, Constantinople, Astana, and Islambul
Napoleon Bonaparte once said “If the whole world was one country, Istanbul would be its capital”
Climate of Istanbul
Istanbul climate is defined as Mediterranean with fairly cold winters. The average temperature in winter is 5 degrees, spring 16 degrees, autumn 14 degrees, and summer 28 degrees
Rainfall is heavy at a rate of 843 millimeters over 152 days during the winter. Istanbul gets snow for 15 days per year over the winter period
In short, Istanbul weather can be defined as long winter and summer with short spring and autumn
Geography of Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city in the world that lies in both Asia and Europe
The Asian and European side of Istanbul are separated by the Bosphorus Straits
Istanbul has many rivers and lakes. Most important lakes in Istanbul are Lake Büyükçekmece and Lake Küçükçekmece
The area of Istanbul is 1830 square kilometers and consists of 39 districts
Istanbul is located at 41.016 north of the equator and 28.967 degrees east of Greenwich Line
Economy of Istanbul
Istanbul has a diverse economy and does not depend on one sector. Each sector contributes to the economy of Istanbul. Istanbul economy makes up 50% of Turkey’s total GDP
Industry Sector
Textiles, leather garments, electronics, glass, metal parts and etc.
Agriculture Sector
Istanbul exports various kinds of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, cotton and etc
Tourism Sector
Istanbul has hundreds of historical, religious, and world famous landmarks
Trade Sector
Istanbul has countless domestic and foreign companies with exports and imports valued at more than 200 billion dollars per year
Real Estate Sector
Istanbul is witnessing a construction boom. Thousands of mega real estate projects have been built and a 1,300,000 apartments were sold in 2018
Landmarks of Istanbul
To talk about all the monuments and tourist attractions in Istanbul, a single article would not do justice.Here are some of the most well known landmarks:
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
Topkapi Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace
Hagia Sophia
The Grand Bazaar
Yildiz Palace
Taksim Square and Istiklal Street
Galata Bridge
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque
Galata Tower
Bosphorus Strait
Çamlıca Hill
Kiz Kulesi
Princes’ Islands
Rumelihisarı
Miniaturk
Obelisk of Theodosius
Education in Istanbul
Istanbul has 25 private and state universities. Furthermore, there are a number of well known international schools in Asian and European side
Healthcare in Istanbul
Istanbul has world class universal healthcare system, famous in the fields of cosmetic, dental, hair transplant, and laser procedures. Furthermore, Istanbul has the largest hospital in Europe and health insurance is compulsory for foreigners living in Turkey
Transportation in Istanbul
Istanbul has a world class public transportation system consisting of mini buses, buses, metro buses, subways, tramways funiculars, and ferries. Furthermore, more than 500 km of railways and another 500 km will be added by 2022. Istanbul card is a card used to pay for all means of public transport
Transportation outside Istanbul
There are three airports in Istanbul (Ataturk, Sabiha, and Istanbul Third Airport)
Istanbul is easily accessible by ferries, ships, trains, cars or buses
Culture & Arts in Istanbul
Istanbul has hundreds of libraries, museums, galleries, cinemas, theaters, and opera houses spread all over the city
Istanbul is the preferred shooting location for highly popular and world famous Turkish series and soap operas
Shopping in Istanbul
Istanbul has many marvelous bazaars and shopping malls.
The grand bazaar is the most famous bazaar in Istanbul with an average daily visitors of half a million. Over one hundred thousands workers are employed in the Grand Bazaar and the price of owning a shop in this market is the most expensive in the world.
There are hundreds of shopping malls in Istanbul such as the Mall of Istanbul, Cevahir Mall, Istanbul Valley Mall and etc. Another great shopping location is Istiklal Street and Nişantaşı.
Restaurants & Cafes in Istanbul
Istanbul is home to world renewed chefs such as Chef Burak and Nusret
Restaurants in Istanbul are diverse, ranging from local, fast food, American, European, Arabic, Chinese, and Indian
Turkish cuisine, especially in Istanbul is famous for its grills, seafood, and doner kebab
Istanbul has thousands of cafes, perfect to unwind, chill and enjoy the spectacular views
Real Estate in Istanbul
Istanbul has become the go to destination for anyone looking to start a new life or looking for vacation homes or for real estate investment.
In 2018, Foreign purchase of real state in Turkey stood at 40,000 apartments, of which about 15,000 were in Istanbul
Arab nationals are the biggest investors is Turkey’s real estate. Iraqi’s top the list in real estate investment in Istanbul, followed by Iranians, Russians, Saudis, Kuwaitis, Germans, and then British.
The Turkish Government has made it easy for foreign investor to purchase real estate. Furthermore, almost all nationalities are able to purchase property in Turkey following the repeal of the reciprocity law. In addition, the Turkish Government has repealed the 8% VAT on property sales to attract more foreigners investors
Foreigner investors are able to purchase apartments by installments, just like any Turkish citizen. Furthermore, He, his spouse, and kids would receive real estate residence permit
Foreign investors are able to obtain Turkish Citizenship by purchasing property, or number of properties worth 250,000 USD or more
Experts Property & Istanbul
At Experts Property, we look furnish our clients with a great selection of real estate projects by renowned Turkish construction companies
Our real estate projects are ready to move in or under construction with Turkish government guarantee. Most of real estate projects we offer comes with a payment plan
We have many real estate projects for living and investment in the center of Istanbul, such as Basın Express and Maslak. Furthermore, we offer real estate projects with sea view and lake view. As well as real estate projects with stunning and tranquil forest views
We could also assist you in obtaining your Turkish citizenship or residence, open a bank account and other free of charge services