MCQ Detailed View

The ancient city of Byzantium is today known as Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey. It has a rich history that spans over 2,500 years and has been known by different names throughout time.

Key Historical Facts:

• Original Name: Byzantium (founded by Greek settlers around 657 BC)


• Later Name: Constantinople, after Emperor Constantine the Great (330 AD)


• Modern Name: Istanbul (officially adopted in 1930)


• Location: Straddles Europe and Asia, along the Bosporus Strait

Why is Byzantium/Istanbul important?

Istanbul has been a major center of culture, trade, and politics for centuries. It was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is one of the world’s most famous cities, known for landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

This makes Istanbul not only important for Turkey but also for world history and civilization.