S ituated in the Marmara region of Turkey on a triangular peninsula , the beautiful Turkish city of Istanbul not only acts as a bridge between Europe and Asia , but as a hub connecting people from all over the world to its traditions , history and culture . This huge , vibrant city is currently home to one-fifth of Turkey ’ s population and is rich in history and architecture dating back to around 660BC , when it was colonised by the Greeks and established as the city of Byzantium . From Roman aqueducts and Byzantine churches to Venetian towers and Ottoman palaces , over its lifespan of 2,679 years , the city has had many occupants , all of whom have contributed to the city ’ s diverse culture and architecture . Although the city is known today as Istanbul , it has taken on multiple names throughout the years including : Lygos , Augusta Antonina , Nova Roma , Byzantion , Byzantium , Constantinople and finally what it is today – Istanbul .