Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world. People started living in Istanbul for the first time about 400,000 years ago.
But as a city, Istanbul was first used by the Fikirtepe community in the year 5500 BC. This community has settled in Istanbul. And for the first time in Istanbul, agriculture and animal husbandry have been done by this community. In addition to this community, it was found in Istanbul before the date, of the Phoenicians and the Trak's.
In 667 BC, by King Byzas, Istanbul was a city and it was started to be newly enlarged. And many new constructions were made in Istanbul. In 324, Istanbul was conquered by the Roman empire. And Istanbul was the capital of Rome between the years 330-395. It later became the capital of the Byzantine empire between 395 and 1204.
In 1204, Istanbul was raided and seized by the Latins who came to join the crusades. Until 1261, Istanbul was under the control of the Latin empire. In 1261, the Byzantine Empire conquered Istanbul again. And in 1453 Istanbul was ruled by the Byzantine Empire.
In 1453, the Ottoman Empire conquered Istanbul. And Istanbul been the capital of the Ottoman Empire by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Until 1922, Istanbul continued to be the capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Istanbul has always been one of the most important trade centers in the world throughout history. Besides, Istanbul has always been an important city as a center of tourism, education, culture and art.