Istanbul in Numbers: Facts and Figures About Turkey’s Largest City

Istanbul is a great city that has been the cultural center of many empires, cultures, and religions. From the early ages to the 21st century, the city has always attracted people from all over the world. Today, as of 2025, it is one of the most crowded and multicultural cities in the world. In this blog post, we will look at the numbers which make this city so unique; from population to size. But before we dig into the facts and figures let’s have a look at the best way to discover Istanbul with great savings: Istanbul Tourist Pass®.

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Population: What Makes Istanbul’s Demography So Unique?

With a population of approximately 16 million in 2024, Istanbul is the most crowded city in Turkey and one of the busiest cosmopolitan hubs in Europe. The demographic story of Istanbul has remained so dynamic despite several cultural shifts, large-scale migration, and fast urbanization. From its early years as Constantinople, Istanbul's population has often been rated among the biggest in the world. It was home to around half a million people by the fifth century, more than its predecessor, Rome. Serving as Europe's largest metropolis until London exceeded it in the middle of the 18th century, the city kept its reputation as a top metropolitan center throughout the Ottoman period.

A Dramatic Rise of Population

Starting from the 1950s, with the movies, books, and magazines, people from rural Turkey believed that Istanbul was a city where dreams come true. So they abandoned their farms and lands and started to move to Istanbul in order to have a better life. So with this sudden and big movement, Istanbul's population started to rise every day. Think about a sudden change in population which is so dramatic from 1 million to around 16 million only in a couple of decades.  Since then, every year, some 200,000 new people move here, many of them from rural areas looking for a better life. In addition to the largest Kurdish minority in Turkey, Istanbul is now home to a sizable immigrant population from Sivas and Kastamonu regions.

Istanbul as a Mosaic of Cultures and Ethnicities

Even if the city has become more homogeneous in recent years, Istanbul still has a diverse range of cultures, faiths, and ethnic groups: The majority is made up of Turks and Kurds; the Kurds make up about 2-4 million of the population. Istanbul was once home to the Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities. The city has expanded quickly in the modern era as a result of migration from all across Turkey. Now, Istanbul is currently home of the largest Kurdish minority in Turkey as well as a house for the immigrant population from eastern Turkish districts. Thanks to this unique blend, today we can enjoy a diverse cuisine and experience many different cultural events in this beautiful city.;

Istanbul's demographics are also shaped by its distinct position as a bridge between Europe and Asia. The European side, which is the hub of trade and culture, is home to around 65% of the population, but the Asian side maintains a more calm, residential feel.

Diversity of Religions in Istanbul

Turkey is a secular country where people of many different religions can coexist. The diversity of Istanbul's population in terms of religion is among its most distinctive features. Despite being predominantly a Sunni Muslim city, Istanbul is home to Alevi, Christian, and Jewish communities. Even though the population is mostly Muslim, having the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul makes the city the global center of Orthodox Christianity's spirituality. Every year Orthodox visitors from all over the world come to Istanbul to experience their religion in its center, Istanbul.

The things that make Istanbul's demography so unique are more than just numbers; they are coming from city's secular position, flexibility, resilience, and timeless charm. All of these depict a city that is constantly evolving while being firmly rooted in its rich and diverse history.

The Size of Istanbul and a Comparison Between European Capitals 

Istanbul is a very special city that is proudly divided between both Europe and Asia and separated by the beautiful Bosporus. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, this natural barrier has long served as a vital trading route that links the Mediterranean and Black Seas. You can only imagine the amount of activity that has taken place here over the years. Additionally, a city that encircles the Golden Horn, the Bosporus, and the Sea of Marmara has a certain allure. It became a center for traders from all over the world in addition to defending ancient nations against invaders. Not to mention the idyllic islands off the shore, Heybeliada, Büyükada, and their smaller siblings, each with their own distinct vibe.