Istanbul is the financial and cultural centre of Turkey, and is also Turkey’s most populous city (~ 15 million). Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it an ideal spot for many local and international corporations to set up their headquarters; 30% of the total commercial companies in Turkey are located in Istanbul. Due to the presence of a large volume of companies, the city produces 38% of the total industrial output of Turkey. Istanbul also accounts for 57% of Turkey’s exports and 60% of Turkey’s imports through its free industrial zones and international ports and airports.
With its rich history, prime location and connectivity (it has two international airports), Istanbul attracts many tourists every year. In 2018, 13.4 million tourists have visited Istanbul.