Constantinople

Leonardo da Vinci and the Ottoman Empire

Five hundred years after his death, Leonardo da Vinci’s interaction with the Ottomans is memorialised in his designs for a bridge and his overtures to the Ottoman Sultans of the time.

Turks mark 566th anniversary of conquering the 'Queen of Cities'

On May 29, 1453, the ancient Roman city of Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks. Many historians consider the event – and this day – as marking the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of Europe's early modern period.

Volunteers collect garbage in Istanbul to raise climate awareness

The volunteers aren't part of any official group and organise events with the aim to encourage people to care about their children's future - the environment.

Bennett wins Tour of Turkey opening stage

The 55th edition of the Presidential Tour of Turkey cycle race began with 17 teams from around the world. Istanbul is the start and the finish point for this UCI World Tour event.

Hagia Sophia will be called a mosque – Erdogan

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says tourists who will come to visit mosques in Istanbul will visit "Hagia Sophia not as a museum, but as a mosque."

Young Istanbulites, their reasons to vote in the March 31 local elections

While some young people appreciate rapid transformation in the city, many others feel there's much more to do to preserve Istanbul's charm.

'We know what to do' – Erdogan, on demands to open Hagia Sophia for prayers

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says people shouldn't be deceived by terrorist Brenton Tarrant's manifesto that contained references to Turkey and Hagia Sophia museum.

Five hidden Istanbul havens tourists seldom hear about

Think you know the city? Think again.

An archery contest carries 500 years of Ottoman tradition

Turkey is instrumental in reviving traditional archery with the annual Conquest Cup that celebrates the anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

Should I stay or go? A young Istanbul punk wonders

Mu Tunc’s debut film about a young and disgruntled punk singer was first screened at !f Istanbul Independent Film Festival. We met up with the director to hear more about his influences and future projects.

Istanbul's 'Iron Church' re-opens after seven years

The 120-year-old church located in the Balat district of Turkey's Istanbul was under restoration for seven years. Its original wooden structure was destroyed in a fire.

Archaeologists discover ancient human remains in Istanbul's new metro site

Istanbul Archaeological Museum Director Zeynep Kiziltan says the human remains are 3,000 to 3,500 old. The findings reveal details about cremation practices during the Iron Age.