ISTANBUL
Turkey
One of 20 GPFL Host Cities
KEY STADIUMS
Atatürk Olympic Stadium 75,145
Nef Stadium 52,280
Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium 50,530
Vodafone Park 42,590
POPULATION
Metro 15,840,900 (2021)
Urban 15,514,128 (2021)
Main Attractions
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower
Other Sports Venues
Istanbul Park Motor Racing (F1), Sinan Erdem Dome Basketball, TVF Burhan Felek Sport Hall Volleyball
Most Visited City Ranking
10
World's Best City Ranking
20
Why did we choose Istanbul?
Istanbul is unique in that it is the only major city spanning two continents. By many measures, it is one of the 15 largest cities in the world so has size on its’ side. It is vibrant, passionate about football and contains four top quality football venues of varying sizes.
ISTANBUL
Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is the largest city in Turkey, serving as the country’s economic, cultural and historic hub. The city straddles the Bosporus strait, lying in both Europe and Asia, and has a population of over 15 million residents, comprising 19% of the population of Turkey. Istanbul is the most populous European city, and the world’s 15th-largest city.
The city was founded as Byzantium in the 7th century BCE by Greek settlers. In 330 CE, the Roman emperor Constantine the Great made it his imperial capital, renaming it first as New Rome and then as Constantinople (Constantinopolis) after himself. The city grew in size and influence, eventually becoming a beacon of the Silk Road and one of the most important cities in history.
Istanbul is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and hosts the headquarters of numerous Turkish companies, accounting for more than thirty percent of the country’s economy.