The Architecture of Istanbul describes a large mixture of structures which reflect the many influences that have made an indelible mark in all districts of the city. The city is somewhat surrounded by the Walls of Constantinople, originally constructed by the emperor Constantine I to protect the original city from invasion. The architecture inside the city proper contains buildings, statues, and functional constructions which came from ancient ancient Greek, Byzantine, Genoese, Ottoman, and modern Turkish sources. The city has many architecturally significant entities. Throughout its long history, Istanbul has acquired a reputation for being a cultural and ethnic melting pot. As a result, there are many historical mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, castles and towers to visit in the city.
The Architecture of Istanbul describes a large mixture of structures which reflect the many influences that have made an indelible mark in all districts of the city. The city is somewhat surrounded by the Walls of Constantinople, originally constructed by the emperor Constantine I to protect the original city from invasion. The architecture inside the city proper contains buildings, statues, and functional constructions which came from ancient ancient Greek, Byzantine, Genoese, Ottoman, and modern Turkish sources. The city has many architecturally significant entities. Throughout its long history, Istanbul has acquired a reputation for being a cultural and ethnic melting pot. As a result, there are many historical mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, castles and towers to visit in the city.