About of Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most historic, vibrant, and colourful cities in the world. It bridges two continents, Asia and Europe, and Istanbul is located in the heart of Turkish sporting, cultural and economic life.
With more than 16 million inhabitants, Istanbul has a myriad of different cultures and unique history, which passes through into Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman Empires. Bisected by the Bosphorus, the city is host to 10 million tourists from an estimated 190 countries each year, which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Istanbul previously served as European Sports Capital in 2012, the year which hosted World Athletics Indoor Championships in Ataköy Arena, and that championship still remains one of the biggest and most important sporting events ever held in Istanbul.
Istanbul has also hosted events such as WTA Tennis Championship Finals in 2011-13, the UEFA Champions League Final in 2005 and 2011, the World Basketball Championships in 2010 and many more.
Istanbul-based sports clubs well known around the world.
Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray (named the Three Giants) all have huge fan bases, especially among the Turkish diaspora, and these three big clubs are also involved with athletics with each of them having more than a century of history in this sport.