Istanbul is the world's 4th largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial centre it is located in the north-west Marmara Region of Turkey on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbour known as the Golden Horn. The southern Bosphorus divides the city on two continents: the western portion of Istanbul is in Europe and the eastern portion is in Asia.

Today, Istanbul generates 55% of Turkey's trade and 45% of the country's wholesale trade. It generates 21.2% of Turkey's gross national product. More…