Istanbul, also called Constantinople (first historical name-Byzantium) is a world megapolis and the largest city in Turkey. Situated on a hill, surrounded by three seas, Istanbul was immune against any attack and the Golden Horn Bay was an ideal asylum for the military fleet. Good geographical location determines the choice of Istanbul as the capital of Byzantine Empire by the name of Constantinople, and later the Ottoman Empire. In the past the city was located entirely in Europe, but now it is on two continents. The east part is in Asia and the west one is in Europe. To the south stretches The Sea of Marmara and to the north - the Black Sea. To reach from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea you must pass through the Bosphorus and Istanbul. The two continents are connected with two unique bridges. Istanbul is a city that connects continents and cultures and is one of the largest industrial and cultural centers in the world. Famous attractions are The Blue Mosque,  the Hagia Sophia Church, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, and the Bulgarian iron church of Saint Stefan, which cross-shaped are situated on the coast of Golden Horn. There were two iron churches in the world, but now you can see only the Bulgarian one. Interesting places to visit are also the market Charsha Capala, the Topkapi Palace, seat of the administration of Ottoman Empire, Dolmabavhe Saray- located on the coast of the Bosphorus, Galata Tower - near the Golden Horn Bay. Taksim Square is a popular square located in the European part of Istanbul, between the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, where the Ataturk Cultural Centre is located. Istanbul is a very interesting city connecting the European and Asian culture. As the European cultural centre for 2010, Istanbul is going to be a hotspot on the European map. Music concerts and underground night clubs characterize the lifestyle in the megapolis. If you are planning to travel to Istanbul you may book online in advance Istanbul hotels. Bellow are selected hotels in Istanbul downtown and international Ataturk airport, full hotel list is available for bookings here