İstanbul,

Once known as the capital of capital cities, has many unique features. It is the only city in the world that stretches upon two continents, and the only one to serve as the  capital during two consecutive empires - Christian and Islamic. Once capital of the Ottoman Empire, İstanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural pulse of Turkey, and its beauty lies in its ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly all co-exist here.

Surrounded by 5^th century Roman city walls and stretching over seven hills, İstanbul is adorned by the masterpieces of Turkish art, the great mosques of the Sultans that crown the hills. The city presents an exquisite, majestic and serene silhouette from all directions. The Golden Horn, which is a very secure natural harbour, has played a significant role in the development of the city.

Efforts are continuing for the restoration of the Roman city walls, and Beyoğlu, the main artery, was rescued by building a new avenue. Ring roads cross the Bosphorus over two suspension bridges to connecting the two continents. The European side has now a fast tramway system and a subway, and comfort and speed has been ensured in sea transportation with the hydrofoil terminals built on the seashores. All industrial establishments on the historic peninsula have been moved to new facilities in the suburbs, and the new international bus terminal has reduced traffic intensity.

Fortune provided such advantages to İstanbul as a location at a junction where the main overland routes reach the sea, an easily defensible peninsula, an ideal climate, a rich and generous nature, control of the strategic Bosphorus, and a central geographical position in the ancient world. In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innumerable attractions, modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, nightclubs, cabarets, bazaars and shops make İstanbul a superb location for meetings, conferences and conventions.

İstanbul is fast becoming one of the most popular international congress and exhibition destinations. The congress venue is located in the modern district of Harbiye, at the centre of the city's business, cultural and commercial life, surrounded by some of Europe's top quality hotels.

The city is growing dynamically and developing at full speed on an east-west axis along the shores of the Marmara.

Alphonse de Lamartine; former foreign minister of France in the 19th Century described İstanbul in the following words: "If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on İstanbul".