History of Istanbul in Timeline
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is geographically significant as it sits on the Bosporus Strait, bridging Europe and Asia. Serving as Turkey's economic, cultural, and historical hub, Istanbul boasts a population exceeding 15 million, representing 19% of Turkey's total population. This makes it Europe's most populous city and the world's 15th largest.
1903: Beşiktaş J.K. Established
Beşiktaş J.K., considered the oldest sports club in Turkey, was established in 1903.
July 1908: Reopening of the Ottoman Parliament
The Young Turk Revolution in July 1908 led to the reopening of the Ottoman Parliament after being closed for 30 years. This marked the beginning of the Second Constitutional Era, aiming to modernize the Ottoman state and introduce political reforms.
October 1908: Annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina & Bulgarian Declaration of Independence
Following the Young Turk Revolution, the political instability in the Ottoman Empire prompted Austria-Hungary to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina and encouraged Bulgaria to declare its independence in October 1908. These events highlighted the weakening grip of the Ottoman Empire on its territories.
1908: Istanbul Declared a Province
Istanbul was declared a province with nine constituent districts in 1908.
1908: Opening of Haydarpaşa Terminal
Istanbul's Haydarpaşa Terminal opened in 1908, serving as the western terminus of the Baghdad Railway and an extension of the Hejaz Railway.
1909: Deposition of Sultan Abdul Hamid II
In 1909, Sultan Abdul Hamid II was deposed following a counter-revolution attempt known as the 31 March Incident. This event further fueled the political turmoil within the Ottoman Empire during this period.
1909: First Manual Telephone Exchange Opens in Istanbul
Istanbul's first manual telephone exchange opened in 1909, leading to the renaming of the Ministry of Post and Telegraph to the Ministry of Post, Telegraph, and Telephone.
1912: Balkan Wars Begin
The Balkan Wars, commencing in 1912, added to the Ottoman Empire's struggles, leading to territorial losses and increasing instability within the empire and its capital, Istanbul.
1913: Ottoman Coup d'état
The 1913 Ottoman coup d'état resulted in the regime of the Three Pashas taking control. This event further destabilized the empire and marked a shift in power dynamics within the Ottoman government.
1913: Armenian Population in Istanbul
The Armenian population in Istanbul peaked at 164,000 in 1913.
1914: First Engine Room of Silahtarağa Power Station Completed
In 1914, the first engine room of the Silahtarağa Power Station, a coal-fired power station in Istanbul along the Golden Horn, was completed.
1914: Start of World War I and Decline of the Christian Population
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had significant consequences for Istanbul. The city's Christian population, a substantial demographic, declined drastically from 450,000 to 240,000 between 1914 and 1927 due to Ottoman policies of Turkification and ethnic cleansing. This marked a significant shift in the city's demographic makeup.
April 1915: Deportation of Armenian Intellectuals
The deportation of Armenian intellectuals on April 1915 marked a tragic event that became a prelude to the Armenian genocide during World War I. This event led to the persecution and displacement of a significant portion of the city's Armenian population.
October 1918: Armistice of Mudros
The Armistice of Mudros, signed in October 1918, marked the end of Ottoman involvement in World War I, leading to the defeat and occupation of the empire, including its capital, Istanbul.
November 1918: Allied Occupation of Constantinople
Following the Armistice of Mudros, Allied forces occupied Constantinople in November 1918, further solidifying the fall of the Ottoman Empire and ushering in a period of foreign influence over the city.
1919: Greek Population in Istanbul
In 1919, the Greek population in Istanbul stood at 350,000.
April 1920: Dissolution of the Ottoman Parliament
In April 1920, the Allied powers dissolved the Ottoman Parliament, effectively ending the political authority of the Ottoman government and consolidating their control over the empire's affairs.
August 1920: Treaty of Sèvres
The Ottoman delegation was forced to sign the Treaty of Sèvres in August 1920, which imposed harsh terms on the defeated empire, further diminishing its territory and sovereignty.
1921: Taksim Military Barracks Becomes Taksim Stadium
In 1921, the Taksim Military Barracks was transformed into the Taksim Stadium.
November 1922: Abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate
Following the Turkish War of Independence, the Grand National Assembly in Ankara abolished the Ottoman Sultanate in November 1922. This event marked the definitive end of the Ottoman dynasty and its centuries-long rule.
1922: Topkapi Palace Becomes Public Property
Following the abolition of the monarchy in 1922, Topkapi Palace became public property.
July 1923: Signing of the Treaty of Lausanne
The Treaty of Lausanne, signed in July 1923, formally recognized the sovereignty of the newly established Republic of Turkey and led to the end of the Allied occupation of Istanbul.
October 1923: End of Allied Occupation and "Liberation Day of Istanbul"
October 1923 marked the end of the Allied occupation of Constantinople, with the departure of the last forces. Turkish forces then entered the city, marking this day as the "Liberation Day of Istanbul" (İstanbul'un Kurtuluşu).
October 1923: Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey
On October 29, 1923, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey declared the establishment of the Turkish Republic, with Ankara as its capital, marking a new era for Turkey.
1923: Ankara Becomes Capital of the Turkish Republic
After the Turkish War of Independence, Ankara replaced Istanbul as the capital of the newly formed Republic of Turkey in 1923. This decision shifted the country's political center away from Istanbul, although it remained a vital cultural and economic hub.
1923: Istanbul Develops as a Turkish City
Istanbul has developed into a Turkish city since 1923, though it retains many monuments from its diverse past.
1923: Greek Population Exchange
Istanbul's Greek population was exempted from the 1923 population exchange with Greece.
1923: Silahtarağa Power Station Renovations Following Founding of Turkish Republic
The Silahtarağa Power Station underwent renovations in 1923 to accommodate the city's increasing demand for electricity following the founding of the Turkish Republic.
1924: Topkapi Palace Transformed into Museum
In 1924, after extensive renovation, Topkapi Palace became one of Turkey's first national museums.
May 1926: Death of Mehmed VI, the Last Ottoman Sultan
Mehmed VI, the last Ottoman Sultan, passed away in exile in Sanremo, Italy, in May 1926. This event marked the symbolic closure of the Ottoman era.
1927: End of a Period: Decline of Christian Population
By 1927, the Christian population in Istanbul had dwindled to 240,000 from 450,000 in 1914, a direct result of the Ottoman Empire's policies of Turkification and ethnic cleansing during and after World War I. This year marks the end of a period of significant demographic shift in the city.
1927: Turkey's First Radio Transmission
The first radio transmission in Turkey originated from the Central Post Office in Eminönü, Istanbul.
1930: Renaming of Constantinople to Istanbul
In 1930, the city's name was officially changed from Constantinople to Istanbul, the Turkish rendering of "eis tḕn Pólin" meaning "to the City." This appellation had been used colloquially by Greek speakers since the 11th century.
1935: Hagia Sophia Reopened as a Museum
The Hagia Sophia was reopened as a museum in 1935 due to its historical significance.
1940: Taksim Stadium Demolished
Taksim Stadium was demolished in 1940 to make way for Gezi Park.
1942: Implementation of the Wealth Tax
A wealth tax, primarily targeting non-Muslims, was imposed in 1942, leading to the transfer or closure of numerous businesses owned by religious minorities. This event significantly impacted the city's economic landscape and the demographics of its business ownership.
1950: Start of Rapid Population Growth
Istanbul's population increased tenfold between 1950 and 2000, fueled by internal and international migration.
1950: Jewish Population in Istanbul
The Jewish population in Istanbul was 100,000 in 1950.
1952: Istanbul Sailing Club Founded
The Istanbul Sailing Club was established, marking the beginning of organized sailing events in Istanbul's waterways.
1952: Silahtarağa Power Station No Longer Sole Source of Electricity
Until 1952, the Silahtarağa Power Station was the only source of electricity in Istanbul, when other power sources were added to the city's grid.
1955: Anti-Greek Pogrom in Istanbul
The 1955 anti-Greek pogrom in Istanbul prompted thousands of Greeks to leave the city.
1956: Silahtarağa Power Station Reaches Peak Capacity
In 1956, the Silahtarağa Power Station reached its peak capacity of 120 megawatts.
1957: Istanbul Municipality Disbanded
The Istanbul municipality, which had replaced the province system, was disbanded in 1957.
1961: Hürriyet Daily News First Published
The English-language edition of the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, known as Hürriyet Daily News, began its publication in 1961.
1963: Istanbul as a Backdrop in "From Russia with Love"
Istanbul's picturesque skyline served as a backdrop for the foreign film "From Russia with Love" in 1963.
1964: Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) Founded
The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) was established in 1964, gaining control over radio and television broadcasts in Turkey, including those in Istanbul. This marked the beginning of TRT's monopoly on broadcasting.
1964: Istanbul in "Topkapi"
The foreign film "Topkapi" used Istanbul as a backdrop in 1964.
1970: Turkish Electrical Authority (TEK) Founded
In 1970, the Turkish Electrical Authority (TEK) was founded.
1971: Boğaziçi University Founded
Boğaziçi University in Istanbul was founded in 1971, taking over the higher education section of Robert College.
1973: Istanbul Festival Inauguration
The Istanbul Festival was inaugurated in 1973, showcasing a diverse range of art from Turkey and around the world.
1973: Istanbul International Music Festival's First Edition
The Istanbul International Music Festival was first held in 1973 and has since become an annual event.
1982: Amendment to Turkish Constitution Allows Private Universities
In 1982, an amendment to the Turkish constitution allowed private universities to operate in the country, paving the way for the founding of Istanbul's first private university, Koç University, in 1992.
1982: International Istanbul Film Festival Established
The International Istanbul Film Festival was established in 1982 and has been held annually ever since.
1983: Silahtarağa Power Station Shuts Down
The Silahtarağa Power Station in Istanbul was shut down in 1983 after it reached the end of its economic life.
1984: Turkish Electrical Authority (TEK) Monopoly Ends
The Turkish Electrical Authority (TEK) held a monopoly on the generation and distribution of electricity in Turkey from its founding in 1970 until 1984.
1987: Istanbul Biennial Launch
The Istanbul Biennial, a prominent contemporary art exhibition, was launched in 1987 and has gained significant prestige internationally.
1987: Istanbul Biennial's Inaugural Edition
The first Istanbul Biennial, a contemporary art exhibition, took place in 1987.
1987: Galleria Ataköy Opening
The opening of Galleria Ataköy in 1987 marked the beginning of modern shopping malls in Turkey.
1990: End of TRT Monopoly
The monopoly held by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) on radio and television broadcasts ended. This paved the way for private broadcasters to emerge in Istanbul and across Turkey.
1992: First Private University in Istanbul Founded
Koç University, Istanbul's first private university, was founded in 1992, following an amendment to the Turkish constitution in 1982 which allowed private universities to operate in the country.
1994: Erdoğan Elected Mayor of Istanbul
Erdoğan's election as mayor of Istanbul in 1994 served as his launchpad.
1994: GSM Cellular Networks Arrive in Istanbul
In 1994, GSM cellular networks arrived in Istanbul, one of the first Turkish cities to receive service.
1994: Istanbul Festival Renamed
The Istanbul Festival was renamed the Istanbul International Music Festival in 1994, focusing solely on music and dance.
1994: Annual Istanbul Jazz Festival
The annual Istanbul Jazz Festival has been held every year since 1994.
1995: Akmerkez Awarded "Europe's Best Shopping Mall"
Akmerkez received the title of "Europe's best" shopping mall from the International Council of Shopping Centers in 1995.
1995: Borsa Istanbul Headquarters Move
In 1995, Borsa Istanbul relocated its headquarters to İstinye, aligning with the financial trends of the time and joining numerous Turkish banks in the Maslak vicinity.
1995: Türk Telekom Splits from Ministry of Post, Telegraph, and Telephone
Türk Telekom split from the Ministry of Post, Telegraph, and Telephone in 1995.
1996: Akmerkez Awarded "World's Best Shopping Mall"
In 1996, Akmerkez was recognized as the "World's best" shopping mall by the International Council of Shopping Centers.
1999: Istanbul in "The World Is Not Enough"
Istanbul's scenery was featured in the foreign film "The World Is Not Enough" in 1999.
1999: CNN Establishes CNN Türk in Istanbul
The American news channel CNN launched its Turkish-language channel, CNN Türk, in Istanbul in 1999.
August 2000: Final F1 Powerboat World Championship Held on the Bosporus Strait
Istanbul hosted its final F1 Powerboat World Championship race on the Bosporus Strait on August 12-13, 2000.
2000: Istanbul Begins Construction and Renovation of Sports Facilities
Around this time, Istanbul began a period of significant construction and renovation of its sports facilities as part of its bid to host the Summer Olympic Games.
2000: 137 Hospitals Operate in Istanbul
In 2000, there were 137 hospitals in Istanbul, 100 of which were private.
2000: End of Rapid Population Growth Period
Istanbul experienced especially rapid growth during the second half of the 20th century, with its population increasing tenfold between 1950 and 2000. This growth was fueled by internal and international migration.
2000: Istanbul Bids to Host the Summer Olympics
Istanbul submitted a bid to host the 2000 Summer Olympics. This marked the beginning of a series of unsuccessful bids.
2001: Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Opens
Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, located 45 kilometers southeast of the city center, opened in 2001 to relieve Atatürk Airport.
2001: Abdi İpekçi Arena Hosts EuroBasket Final
Istanbul's then-primary indoor arena, Abdi İpekçi Arena, hosted the finals of the EuroBasket 2001 basketball tournament.
2002: Atatürk Olympic Stadium Completed
The Atatürk Olympic Stadium, the biggest multi-purpose stadium in Turkey, was completed in 2002. It was designed as an IAAF first-class venue for track and field.
2002: International Film Recognition
The Turkish film "Uzak" (2002), filmed in Istanbul, contributed to the nation's growing international film success.
2003: First Istanbul Pride
In 2003, Istanbul hosted its first Pride event, marking a significant event as the first gay pride event in a Muslim-majority country.
2004: Istanbul's Second Bid for the Summer Olympics
Istanbul made another attempt to host the Summer Olympics in 2004, but the bid was unsuccessful.
2004: Istanbul's Municipal Boundaries Redrawn
Istanbul's municipal boundaries have been aligned with the boundaries of its province since 2004.
2005: International Film Recognition
Filmed in Istanbul, the Turkish movie "My Father and My Son" (2005) added to the country's increasing international film acclaim.
2005: Türk Telekom Privatized
Following its split from the Ministry of Post, Telegraph, and Telephone in 1995, Türk Telekom was privatized in 2005.
2005: Outpatient Use of Private Hospitals at 6%
In 2005, 6 percent of outpatients in Istanbul used private hospitals.
2005: Istanbul Cevahir Opens
Istanbul Cevahir opened in 2005, becoming one of the largest shopping malls on the continent.
2005: Atatürk Olympic Stadium Hosts UEFA Champions League Final
The Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul hosted the UEFA Champions League Final in 2005, showcasing its ability to host major sporting events.
2005: Istanbul Park Hosts Formula One Turkish Grand Prix and Other Racing Events
The Istanbul Park racing circuit hosted the Formula One Turkish Grand Prix, World Touring Car Championship, and European Le Mans Series in 2005. This marked the beginning of Istanbul Park's involvement in major motorsport events.
2005: Annual Tulip Festival Begins
The annual tulip festival in Emirgan Park started in 2005.
2006: Modern Funicular Between Taksim Square and Kabataş Opens
A new funicular running between Taksim Square and Kabataş in Istanbul began operating in 2006.
2006: Kanyon Wins Cityscape Architectural Review Award
Kanyon was honored with the Cityscape Architectural Review Award in the Commercial Built category in 2006.
2007: Medical Tourism to Turkey Increases
Between 2007 and 2008, medical tourism to Turkey increased by 40 percent.
2007: Foreign Population at 43,000
In 2007, Istanbul had a foreign population of 43,000 with a residence permit.
2007: Last Turkish Motorcycle Grand Prix at Istanbul Park
Istanbul Park hosted the Turkish Motorcycle Grand Prix for the final time.
2008: Third Unsuccessful Bid for the Summer Olympics
Istanbul submitted its third consecutive unsuccessful bid for the Summer Olympics in 2008.
2008: Istanbul in "Mission Istaanbul"
The foreign film "Mission Istaanbul" used Istanbul as a backdrop in 2008.
2008: Medical Tourism to Turkey Sees 40% Increase
Turkey saw a 40 percent increase in medical tourism between 2007 and 2008.
June 2009: Final Powerboat P1 World Championship Race on the Bosporus
The Bosporus in Istanbul was the setting for the last race of the Powerboat P1 World Championship, held from June 19-21, 2009.
2009: Outpatient Use of Private Hospitals Increases to 23%
By 2009, the percentage of outpatients in Istanbul who used private hospitals had increased to 23 percent from 6 percent in 2005.
2009: New Terminal Opens at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
In 2009, a new international terminal opened at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.
2009: Istanbulkart Introduced
The contactless Istanbulkart, used for fares across Istanbul's public transportation system, was introduced in 2009.
2009: Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium Hosts UEFA Cup Final
Three years after its completion, the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, home to the Fenerbahçe football club, hosted the UEFA Cup Final in 2009.
2010: Istanbul - European Capital of Culture
Istanbul was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2010, a testament to its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. This prestigious title brought international attention to the city's artistic and cultural offerings.
2010: Sinan Erdem Dome Opens and Hosts FIBA World Championship
The Sinan Erdem Dome, one of Europe's largest indoor arenas, opened and hosted the final of the FIBA World Championship in 2010.
2011: Türk Telekom Arena Opens
2011 saw the opening of the Türk Telekom Arena, which replaced the Ali Sami Yen Stadium as the home ground of the Galatasaray football club.
2011: Atatürk Airport Experiences Growth
Between 2011 and 2012, Atatürk Airport had a 20.6 percent rise in passenger traffic, which was the highest among the world's top 30 airports.
2011: Canal Istanbul Project Proposed
In 2011, then Prime Minister Erdoğan presented the Canal Istanbul project, a plan to open a new strait between the Black and Marmara seas.
2011: Istanbul Shopping Fest Launched
The Istanbul Shopping Fest, an annual shopping festival, was launched in 2011.
2011: Sinan Erdem Dome Hosts Euroleague Basketball
The Sinan Erdem Dome continued to host major basketball events, including the 2011–12 Euroleague season.
2011: First and Second Bridges on Bosporus Carry 400,000 Vehicles Daily
The first and second bridges on the Bosporus carried 400,000 vehicles each day in 2011.
2012: Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Named Fastest Growing Airport
In 2012, The Airports Council International named Sabiha Gökçen International Airport the world's fastest-growing airport.
2012: Istanbul's Fourth Bid for the Summer Olympics
Istanbul launched its fourth bid for the Summer Olympics in 2012, but it was unsuccessful.
2012: Closure of Haydarpaşa Terminal
Istanbul's Haydarpaşa Terminal closed in 2012 due to the construction of the Marmaray and the Ankara-Istanbul high-speed railway.
2012: Large-Scale Demolition of Vulnerable Buildings
Since 2012, over 500,000 buildings deemed vulnerable to earthquakes have been demolished and replaced in Istanbul. This highlights the city's ongoing efforts to improve its infrastructure and resilience to seismic activity.
2012: Sinan Erdem Dome Hosts IAAF World Indoor Championships
The Sinan Erdem Dome hosted the IAAF World Indoor Championships in 2012, demonstrating its capacity for hosting world-class athletic events.
2012: Ülker Sports Arena Opens
The Ülker Sports Arena, a 13,800-seat venue, opened in 2012, becoming the home court for Fenerbahçe's basketball teams.
2013: Nationwide Protests Erupt
In 2013, a series of nationwide protests were sparked by the AKP government's decision to replace Taksim Gezi Park with a replica of the Ottoman-era Taksim Military Barracks.
2013: Marmaray Tunnel Opens
In 2013, the Marmaray Tunnel, the first rail connection between Thrace and Anatolia, was inaugurated.
2013: Anti-AKP Government Protests
Large-scale anti-AKP government protests began in Istanbul in 2013 and spread throughout Turkey.
2013: Gezi Park Protests
The Gezi Park protests took place in 2013 on İstiklal Avenue.
2013: Rock'n Coke Festival Ends
The Rock'n Coke festival, held annually at the Hezarfen Airfield in Istanbul, concluded in 2013.
2014: Anti-AKP Government Protests and Mayoral Election
Large-scale anti-AKP government protests continued in 2014. In the 2014 mayoral election in Istanbul, the center-left opposition candidate won an impressive 40% of the vote but did not win.
2014: Daily Sabah Begins Publication
The Daily Sabah, an English-language newspaper published by Sabah, was launched in 2014. It eventually surpassed Hürriyet Daily News in circulation.
2015: Istanbul Atatürk Airport Among Busiest Airports
In 2015, Istanbul Atatürk Airport handled 61.3 million passengers, which made it the third-busiest airport in Europe and the 18th-busiest in the world in that year.
2015: Parades Banned at Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue
The AKP government began banning all types of parades at Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue in 2015, citing security concerns, a move that sparked controversy and criticism.
August 2016: Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge Opens
The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, which carries the O-7 motorway over the Bosporus, opened on August 26, 2016.
December 2016: Eurasia Tunnel Opens
Providing a road crossing for motor vehicles under the Bosporus Strait, the Eurasia Tunnel opened on December 20, 2016.
2016: Vodafone Park Opens
In 2016, Vodafone Park opened, replacing the BJK İnönü Stadium as the home turf of Beşiktaş.
2016: Sinan Erdem Dome Hosts Euroleague Final Four
The Sinan Erdem Dome was chosen to host the EuroLeague Final Four basketball tournament in 2016 and 2017.
2017: Constitutional Referendum in Istanbul
Istanbul voted 'No' in the 2017 constitutional referendum by 51.4% to 48.6%, marking the first government defeat in the city.
2018: Istanbul Airport Opens
In 2018, Istanbul opened its new airport, Istanbul Airport, located in the Arnavutköy district.
2018: Shipping Statistics
In 2018, a significant 73.9 percent of exports and 92.7 percent of imports in Istanbul were handled by sea, highlighting the importance of shipping to the city's economy.
2018: Tourism Boom
Istanbul welcomed 13.4 million foreign tourists in 2018, ranking it as the world's fifth most-visited city that year and solidifying its status as a major tourist destination.
2018: First Edition of Teknofest
Teknofest, an annual festival celebrating aviation, aerospace, and technology, held its first edition in 2018.
March 2019: Istanbul's Intercontinental Commuter Rail Line Opens
On March 12, 2019, Istanbul's intercontinental commuter rail line, officially named B1, opened.
April 2019: Istanbul Atatürk Airport Closes, Istanbul Airport Becomes IST
On April 6, 2019, all scheduled commercial passenger flights were transferred from Atatürk Airport to Istanbul Airport. Istanbul Atatürk Airport was closed for scheduled passenger flights, and its IATA code IST was transferred to the new airport.
June 2019: Ekrem İmamoğlu Elected Mayor
Ekrem İmamoğlu, representing the Republican People's Party, became the Mayor of Istanbul on June 27, 2019.
2019: Survey Reveals Low Percentage of Native Istanbulites
A 2019 survey revealed that only 36% of Istanbul's population was born in the province.
2019: Istanbul's Education Landscape
As of 2019, Istanbul was home to over 7,400 schools catering to more than 3.1 million students. Notably, about half of these schools were private institutions.
2019: Population of Istanbul Reaches 15,519,267
At the end of 2019, the population of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality was estimated to be 15,519,267 by the Turkish Statistical Institute, accounting for 19 percent of the country's population.
2019: Greek Population in Istanbul
Following Greek migration in the 2010s, the Greek population in Istanbul rose to nearly 3,000 in 2019.
2019: Trend Towards CHP in Istanbul
Following the 2019 elections, a trend towards the CHP has persisted in Istanbul.
2019: Istanbul Atatürk Airport Closes to Commercial Flights
In 2019, Istanbul Atatürk Airport closed to commercial flights.
2019: Religiosity Survey in Istanbul
In 2019, a KONDA survey showed that 57% of surveyed adults in Istanbul practiced their religion, 26% identified but didn't practice, 11% were fully devoted, and 6% were non-believers.
2019: Istanbul's Exports and Imports
In 2019, companies based in Istanbul produced exports worth $83.66 billion and received imports totaling $128.34 billion.
2019: Ambarlı Port Capacity
In 2019, the Port of Ambarlı in Istanbul reached an annual capacity of 3,104,882 TEUs, securing its position as the third-largest cargo terminal in the Mediterranean basin.
2019: Resumption of Bucharest-Istanbul Rail Service
In 2019, the international rail service between Bucharest and Istanbul's Sirkeci Terminal, which had been interrupted for Marmaray construction, resumed operation.
2019: Istanbul Airport Opened
In 2019, the new Istanbul Airport was opened. This was part of a larger plan by the Turkish government to expand the city westward and northward on the European side.
2019: Foreign Population Increases Dramatically
Istanbul's foreign population with a residence permit increased dramatically from 43,000 in 2007 to 856,377 in 2019.
2019: Vodafone Park Hosts UEFA Super Cup
Vodafone Park in Istanbul hosted the UEFA Super Cup game in 2019.
July 2020: Hagia Sophia Reconverted into Mosque
In July 2020, the Hagia Sophia was reconverted into a mosque.
2020: TÜİK Data Shows Internal Migration Trends
According to 2020 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), around 2.1 million people out of a population of over 15.4 million in Istanbul were registered in the city, indicating significant internal migration since the 1950s.
2020: Canal Istanbul Project
As of 2020, the Canal Istanbul project was still on Turkey's agenda, but no clear date had been set for it.
2020: Demolition Begins at Istanbul Atatürk Airport
In 2020, demolition of the runway at Istanbul Atatürk Airport began.
2020: Istanbul's Fifth Bid for the Summer Olympics
Istanbul made its fifth attempt to host the Summer Olympics in 2020, but the bid was once again unsuccessful.
2020: UEFA Champions League Final Relocated Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
The UEFA Champions League Final games, initially scheduled to take place at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul in 2020 and 2021, were relocated to Lisbon and Porto respectively, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2021: Announcement of the 2021 F1 Turkish Grand Prix
Despite initial cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced on June 25, 2021, that the 2021 F1 Turkish Grand Prix would take place on October 3, 2021, at the Istanbul Park circuit.
June 2021: Marine Mucilage Wave in the Sea of Marmara
In June 2021, a massive wave of marine mucilage, believed to be caused by pollution, spread across the Sea of Marmara, impacting Istanbul's coastal areas and raising concerns about the marine ecosystem's health.
October 2021: 2021 F1 Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park
The 2021 F1 Turkish Grand Prix was held at Istanbul Park on October 3, 2021, following its reinstatement to the Formula One calendar.
2021: Jewish Population in Istanbul
By 2021, the Jewish population in Istanbul had dropped to 15,000, largely due to emigration to Israel.
2021: Length of Istanbul's State Highways Network at 353km
In 2021, the length of Istanbul's state highways network (devlet yollari) was 353 kilometers.
2021: UEFA Champions League Final Relocated Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
The UEFA Champions League Final games, initially scheduled to take place at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul in 2020 and 2021, were relocated to Lisbon and Porto respectively, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
2022: Disruptive Snowfall in Istanbul
In 2022, Istanbul experienced a significant snowfall event, typical of the city's winters. The snowfall, exceeding 30 centimeters (1 foot), caused disruptions to the city's infrastructure, highlighting the challenges posed by such weather events.
June 2023: Davut Gül Appointed Governor
Davut Gül became the Governor of Istanbul Province on June 5, 2023.
August 2023: Refugees of the Syrian Civil War in Istanbul
As of August 2023, there were more than 530,000 refugees of the Syrian civil war in Istanbul, the highest number in any Turkish city.
2023: Assessment of Istanbul's Infrastructure and Earthquake Preparedness
In 2023, assessments of Istanbul's infrastructure revealed that while it was in reasonably good shape, a significant number of buildings remained vulnerable to earthquakes. The high cost of upgrades posed a challenge to improving the city's resilience to seismic events.
2023: Total Length of Istanbul Province's Toll Roads at 543km
As of 2023, the total length of Istanbul Province's network of toll roads was 543 kilometers.
2023: Istanbul Becomes the World's Most Visited City
In 2023, Istanbul surpassed London and Dubai to become the most visited city globally, attracting over 20 million foreign visitors. This highlighted the city's growing popularity as a tourist destination, renowned for its historical sites, cultural attractions, and vibrant atmosphere.
2023: Presidential Election in Istanbul
In the 2023 presidential election, CHP candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu received 48.56% of the vote in Istanbul, while incumbent president and AKP candidate Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received 46.68%.
2023: Istanbul Financial Center Establishment
The Ataşehir district in Istanbul became home to the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC) in 2023, housing the new headquarters of state-owned Turkish banks, including the Turkish Central Bank.
2024: Concerns over Earthquake Preparedness in Istanbul
By 2024, concerns remained about Istanbul's preparedness for a major earthquake. Most buildings, constructed in the 20th century, followed a low seismic standard, leading to worries about the potential impact of a significant earthquake on the city and its residents.
2024: Local Elections in Istanbul
Ekrem İmamoğlu was re-elected as Mayor of Istanbul in 2024 by a 12-point margin. The CHP also won the mayoralties in 26 of Istanbul's 39 districts.
2025: Istanbul Airport Completion
Istanbul Airport is scheduled to be fully completed in 2025. The airport will have six sets of runways, 16 taxiways, and will be able to accommodate 200 million passengers a year.
