Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, with a population of about 14 million, may be described as a global mega city rich in both ancient and modern culture. Historically based on Byzantine and Ottoman culture, Istanbul is Turkey’s largest and most high-profile city and a leading business center. It also has a unique geographical location where the continents Europe and Asia are connected by the Bosphorus Bridge.

Researchers for the MasterCard Center for Inclusive Growth ranked Istanbul seventh among the top 20 destination cities by international [Page 684]overnight visitors, with an estimated 11.6 million visitors in 2014. Among European cities in the list, it was ranked third that year as a destination for international travelers after London and Paris.