History of Istanbul

Overview

The medical tourism hub of Istanbul has a rich and proud history.  Straddling both Asia and Europe, it had little difficulty attracting a wide range of suitors over the millennia with the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans being some of the most popular.   

The Greeks

It was the Greek emperor Byzas, in the 7^th century, who established what is now Istanbul.  Legend has it that Byzas received instructions from the Oracle at Delphi to create a lasting settlement in the “land of the blind.” Unsure of what this prophecy meant, Byzas searched around in the region and was shocked to learn that a nearby city, Chalcedon, had missed such an amazing opportunity to erect itself right at the Bosporus Strait just half a mile away.  This “blind” foolishness on their part prompted Byzas to select his site dubbing the new settlement Byzantium.  

The Romans

Byzantium grew in importance over the centuries and became a major center of commerce and industry during the Roman Empire.  In fact, the city was named the unofficial capitol of the republic after Emperor Constantine named it “Nova Roma” (New Rome).  It became the official capital of the Eastern Roman Empire after Constantine’s death. In tribute, the city’s fathers renamed it Constantinople helping to solidify its growing reputation as the center of Christian art and culture.  In 1204, the city became the target of the Crusades, and was desecrated. Constantinople's enviable location over two continents ensure that it would remain a prize for centuries of invasions from Persians, Arab nomads, Christian Crusades, and countless other aspirants.  

The Ottomans

By the time the Ottoman king, Sultan Mehmet II, arrived in Constantinople in 1453, the city was a shadow of its former self. Weakened by war, the city put up a feeble but noble resistance to the Ottomans, who then proceeded to establish their third and final capital there.  The city underwent another name change, being christened (or un-christened) with its present name, Istanbul.  The Ottomans continued to rule for the next several centuries. Istanbul regained much of her former glory, acting as a nerve center for the military battles of the Ottoman rulers.  The city also enjoyed tremendous success in trade and commerce with its neighbors. 

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