Is Istanbul the Capital of Turkey? [Why Ankara Seems Incorrect]
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Have you ever wondered what the capital of Turkey is? It’s an interesting question that often trips up travelers.
Many people incorrectly answer Istanbul since it’s the country’s largest and most modern city, but the real answer is Ankara.
After exploring Istanbul, I can definitely see why many would think that Istanbul seems more like a capital city. In this post, I’ll explore why this happens and how Ankara being the actual capital of Turkey affects travelers visiting the region.
Is Istanbul the capital of Turkey?
No. Although Ankara is the capital of Turkey, Istanbul is its largest city by population.
Many people think that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey because the largest airport in the world, the Istanbul International Airport, is in Istanbul. As a result, most travelers will start their travels in Istanbul instead of Ankara.
Additionally, Istanbul is a more world-renowned city than Ankara. As the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is the site of many historical and modern cultural events.
Why is Istanbul not the capital of Turkey?
So why isn’t Istanbul the capital? This has to do with the rise and fall of empires in Turkey. Namely, the abolishment of the Ottoman Empire in 1923.
Turkey has seen its fair share of empires, starting with the Hittites, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, and Byzantines, who moved the empire’s capital to Constantinople. In the 1300s, the Ottomans were the last empire to take control of the country and hold it until 1919.
After a war for independence, the Ottoman Empire was dissolved, and the capital of the Republic of Turkey was officially established in Ankara in 1923.
But because Constantinople was the capital of Turkey for so long, Istanbul remains the largest city in Turkey by population and size still today. Despite being internationally recognized as the capital city since 1923, depending on your nationality or where you are traveling from, research where your embassy is before planning your trip.
Ankara vs Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city to span two continents, sitting in both Europe and Asia.
Istanbul also sits on the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, making it an important city for maritime trade.
For this reason, most of the largest trade and commerce companies and big businesses are located in Istanbul, resulting in a larger population there as well.
On the contrary, Ankara’s more central location makes it an essential city for trade and agriculture as it is central to the railway and highway system.
While Istanbul and Ankara are very different cities, they do have similarities. For example, both cities have been renamed in recent centuries. Istanbul was formerly named Constantinople. Ankara was formerly known as Angora.
While Istanbul is much larger than Ankara today, it was natural to move the official capital when Turkey became a modern state in 1923. So there you have it. Ankara is considered Turkey’s capital despite its smaller size compared to other cities like Istanbul.
FAQs
Yes. Istanbul, formerly named Constantinople, was the capital of the Ottoman Empire until its fall in 1923.
No. Ankara is the only capital of Turkey. While Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and its former capital, it is not a capital city.
Ankara has been the capital of Turkey since 1923 when the Ottoman Empire fell. Istanbul is the former capital of Turkey.
No, Ankara is the capital city of Turkey today. While Istanbul remains the largest city in Turkey, it has not been the capital since 1923.
Turkey truly is a fantastic destination. Although Ankara may not have the same appeal to tourists as Istanbul does, both are great destinations filled with history, culture, and beautiful attractions. Regardless of which city is technically considered the capital, Turkey is a country that should definitely be explored. I’m thankful for my time exploring Istanbul and cannot wait to explore even more cities in Turkey in the future.
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