Istanbul served as imperial capital for the Roman and Byzantine (330–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin (1204–1261), and the Ottoman (1453–1922) empires (Wikipedia). With its strategic location on the Bosphorus peninsula between the Balkans and Anatolia, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Istanbul has been associated with major political, religious and artistic events for more than 2,000 years (UNESCO).

In this video: Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) (0:05), Hippodrome (1:26), Gulhane Park (1:38), Aya Sophia (Hagia Sofia) (2:13), Kalendarhane Mosque (4:02), Column of Constantine (4:07), Süleymaniye Mosque (4:23), New Mosque (5:21), Topkapi Palace (5:57), The Bosphorus (7:20), Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) (9:40), sunset view from Galata Bridge (10:17).