The major city located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia is Istanbul. Historically known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, Istanbul serves as a major cultural and economic hub in Turkey. The city straddles both continents, separated by the Bosporus Strait, which provides a significant maritime route. Istanbul's rich history encompasses associations with the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, making it a melting pot of cultures, architectures, and religions that attracts millions of tourists each year.