The former capital of three successive empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman- the city is a fascinating mixture of the past and present, old and new, modern and traditional. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at the sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows and slender minarets on the opposite shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site.

In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innmuerable attractions, modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, nightclubs, cabarets, bazzars and shops make Istanbul a superb site for meetings, conferences and conventions.

Istanbul is fast becoming one of the most popular international congress and exhibition destinations. The Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar Convention & Exhibition Centre doubles the capacity of congress facilities in Istanbul and is ideally located in the modern district of Harbiye, at the centre of the city's business, cultural and commercial life, surrounded by some of Europe's top quality hotels.

Experience the exciting mixture that is Istanbul, a city where East meets West, the bridge between Europe and Asia, a thriving metropolis of millions of people-exotic yet distinctly western.
A number of historic palaces and museums offer unique settings for receptions and banquets.

Numerous historic venues feature banquet rooms with panoramic views of the city. Beylerbeyi Palace, once the sultan's summer palace and now the cultural centre of Istanbul, is surrounded by terraced gardens for group events.

Topkapi Palace Museum, Dolmabahce and the Museum of Archeology aslo contain unusual settings for special group events among ancient and historically-significant artifacts.

South of Istanbul are Turkey's Mediterranean beaches and resorts. Kusadasi, known for its many beaches, restaurants, top quality hotels and marina, has the advantage of its proximity to the archeological city of Ephesus.