When Was Istanbul Settled?
Istanbul is one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful cities. It sits between Europe and Asia and connects cultures and history. Many travelers who join Istanbul Daily Tours ask an interesting question — when was Istanbul settled?
The story begins thousands of years ago and shows how Istanbul became a home for many civilizations and faiths.
The First Settlers in Istanbul
Archaeologists discovered that people first lived in the area around 6700–6000 BCE. Excavations in the Yenikapı district revealed the remains of an ancient village. Tools, boats, and wooden houses were found there.
These discoveries prove that humans lived in Istanbul more than 8,000 years ago. This makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Long before it became an empire’s capital, Istanbul was already a home for early farmers and fishermen.
The Founding of Byzantium (657 BCE)
The next big chapter came in 657 BCE, when Greek settlers from Megara founded a city called Byzantion. Their leader, King Byzas, chose this location for its perfect position on the Bosporus Strait.
It became a busy trade center where ships from Asia and Europe met. The Greeks built temples, markets, and walls, creating one of the region’s most important ports. Over time, Byzantion became part of the Roman world, growing even stronger and richer.
Constantinople The New Rome (330 CE)
A huge change came in 330 CE when Emperor Constantine the Great rebuilt the city as Nova Roma or “New Rome.” Later, it was called Constantinople.
Constantine made it the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Beautiful churches, large palaces, and public squares appeared everywhere. The famous Hagia Sophia was built soon after and became a symbol of Christian art and power. Constantinople became one of the most important cities in the world for more than 1,000 years.
The Ottoman Era (1453–1923)
In 1453, Sultan Mehmed II of the Ottoman Empire conquered the city. He renamed it Istanbul and made it the empire’s capital.
Under Ottoman rule, the city changed again. Grand mosques like Süleymaniye Mosque and Blue Mosque, and palaces such as Topkapı Palace, gave Istanbul its famous skyline. It became a center of art, science, and trade.
Modern Istanbul The City of Many Ages
So, when was Istanbul settled? The first people came more than 8,000 years ago, and the city was officially founded in 657 BCE. Later, it became Constantinople in 330 CE and Istanbul in 1453 Where Does the Name Istanbul Come From.
Today, Istanbul is home to over 16 million people. When you walk its streets or join Istanbul Daily Tours, you travel through thousands of years of history.
From the ancient ruins to the sound of the call to prayer, Istanbul remains a living museum — a true meeting point of civilizations that continues to inspire the world.
