Constantinople, now known as Istanbul, was the capital of the Roman Empire/Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. It has always been important for world states due to its city location, and now it is only natural that it is a city of wonders that evokes curiosity and amazement.

Establishment and Byzantium Period

The history of Istanbul began thousands of years ago. But, firstly, Megarians were the settlers in Istanbul in the 7th century B.C.E. Megaran was a city-state in Ancient Greece. Byzas, who was king of Megara, wanted to establish a new city-state, so he went to the Temple of Apollo and consulted an oracle. Oracle said that “you should establish against the country of the blind.” Byzas was confused. While he was walking, he looked at Kadiköy from Sarayburnu. He thought that while this area is more remarkable, why people founded a city there? Anyone, who founded a town there, must be blind. And he decided where to establish the city. And Megarians founded a city in 667 B.C.E. The city’s name was Byzantion. Byzantion is the first name before Constantinople and Istanbul.

Roman Empire Period of Constantinople

Byzantion continued as an ordinary and unimportant city till C.E 4th Century. But Byzantion started to be important because of its location after Constantine became the emperor of the Roman Empire.

Constantine was important to the history of Istanbul as Constantine considered moving the capital to another city. He considered Izmit, Troy, and Byzantion, and he chose Byzantion for it sat at the end of important trade routes. Also, Byzantion was built upon the land of seven hills like Rome. The city became the capital city 65 years ago before the Roman Empire separated. The city was mentioned as Constantinople after Constantine’s death.

In the Constantine period, the city began to change and develop. Constantine didn’t ruin the city. He designated town borders. Constantine got the palace done for people who came from Milano. Hippodromes were built, and walls started to renew in Constantinople. We can say that the history of Istanbul was initiated in this period.

After Constantine’s death, the Emperors continued de...

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