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Geography

Istanbul sits astride two continents, namely Asia and Europe. The city located in the Marmara Region is surrounded by the Black Sea on the North, by the Sea of Marmara on the South and Southwest. The Bosphorus, a narrow strait that links the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, separates the European and Asian Sections of the city.

Capital

Istanbul

Governor (Queen's Commissioner)

Mr. Muammer Guler

Landspace and Population

The total land area of the province is 5,220 sq.km. and the population is 11,000,000 including 9.2 million urban population. 99% of the population is Muslim

History and Culture

Istanbul was founded in 7th Century BC. As a unique fusion of East and West, it has been the capital city of three important empires, namely Roma, Eastern Roman (Byzantium) Empire and the Ottoman Empire. 330 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine succeeded to throne and moved the capital to the city, which was named Constantinopolis. After breaking up with the Roman Empire, the city became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium Empire) in 395 AD. In the year 1453, the army of Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II conquered the city and named it Istanbul.

Sultan Ahmet Mosque (built in 17th century)

Economy and Industry

GDP per capita is USD 6,000. Istanbul accounts for 25% of Turkey's total GDP; 48% of total Foreign Trade; 40% of total consolidated budget tax income; 45% of total bank deposits; 11% of total agricultural production value; 45% of total private car ownership. Its main industries include Textile, Food, Electronic, Cement, Tobacco, Leather, Metallurgy, Electric Appliances, Transport Equipment, Ship-fixing, Construction and Service Industry related to International Conventions. Its Agriculture , tourism and banking sector are all well developed.

Establishment of Sister Province/State Relationship

On June 18, 2001, Mr. LU Ruihua, Governor of GD and Mr. Erol Cakir, Governor of Istanbul signed the Agreement to establish the GD-Istanbul Sister Province Relationship in Istanbul, Turkey.

Friendly Exchanges

• In May 2000, Mr. LU Ruihua, Governor of GD led a business delegation to Istanbul and signed with Mr. Erol Cakir, Governor of Istanbul a MOU on the development of Cooperative Relations. In Nov. 2000, Mr. Erol Cakir led an official delegation to GD and proposed to establish Sister Province Relationship with GD.
• On Jun. 18, 2001, Mr. LU Ruihua and Mr. Erol Cakir signed the the Agreement to establishment the Sister Province Relationship during Governor LU's visit to Turkey. In July 2001, Mr. ZHONG Qiquan, Vice Governor of GD visited Istanbul and followed up on the proposed bilateral exchanges.
• During the visit led by Mr. ZHONG Qiquan, Vice Governor of GD, to Istanbul in July, 2001, the delegation attended the forum held by Turco-Sino Business Council.

Mr. Yavuz Onay, Chairman of Turco-Sino Business Council, addressing the Forum

Editor: Wing