Istanbul stands as a unique metropolis spanning two continents. Known throughout history as Byzantium and Constantinople, the city has been shaped by massive empires and diverse cultures.
This quiz looks at the famous landmarks, ancient markets, and culinary traditions that define modern Istanbul. You will see questions about Byzantine cathedrals, historic towers, and local delicacies.
Once you finish, we suggest visiting our pages on cities of the world, historic places, or sacred architecture for more trivia.
Which body of water separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul?
The Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait
The Suez Canal
The Suez Canal
The Strait of Gibraltar
The Strait of Gibraltar
The Dardanelles
The Dardanelles
What is the approximate population of Istanbul?
16 million
16 million
14 million
14 million
18 million
18 million
12 million
12 million
Which world-famous architectural landmark was originally built as a Byzantine cathedral?
Süleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia
Ortaköy Mosque
Ortaköy Mosque
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
Which historic covered market in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest in the world?
Arasta Bazaar
Arasta Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Sahaflar Bazaar
Sahaflar Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
What is the traditional name of the gel-based sweet confection commonly known in English as Turkish Delight?
Lokum
Lokum
Baklava
Baklava
Simit
Simit
Kadaif
Kadaif
Which Ottoman ruler captured Constantinople in 1453?
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Justinian I
Justinian I
Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror
Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror
Roman Emperor Constantine the Great
Roman Emperor Constantine the Great
Which iconic medieval stone tower offers a panoramic view over the Golden Horn?
The Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower
Rumelihisarı Fortified Tower
Rumelihisarı Fortified Tower
Beyazıt Tower
Beyazıt Tower
Galata Tower
Galata Tower
Which flower is celebrated as a historical symbol of the Ottoman Empire and is extensively planted throughout Istanbul?
Carnation
Carnation
Tulip
Tulip
Orchid
Orchid
Rose
Rose
Which famous mosque is popularly referred to as the ‘Blue Mosque’ because of the tiles used in its interior?
Çırağan Palace
Çırağan Palace
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace
Sultanahmet Mosque
Sultanahmet Mosque
Which popular Turkish pastry is made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey?
Menemen
Menemen
İskender kebap
İskender kebap
Lahmacun
Lahmacun
Baklava
Baklava
What is the name of the primary inlet of the Bosphorus that divides the historic center of Istanbul?
The Golden Horn
The Golden Horn
The Aegean Sea
The Aegean Sea
The Black Sea
The Black Sea
The Marmara Sea
The Marmara Sea
Before it was named Constantinople, what was the original name of the city founded by colonists from Megara?
Greek Byzantium
Greek Byzantium
Venetian Republic
Venetian Republic
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
Persian Empire
Persian Empire
Which massive mosque complex was designed by the famous imperial architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century?
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
Fatih Mosque
Fatih Mosque
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque
What is the name of the anise-flavored spirit that is considered the national alcoholic drink of Turkey?
Raki
Raki
Ayran
Ayran
Boza
Boza
Şalgam
Şalgam
Which structure served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years?
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace
Yedikule Fortress
Yedikule Fortress
Hilton Bosphorus
Hilton Bosphorus
The ancient city of Constantinople served as the capital of which long-lasting empire?
Sasanian Empire
Sasanian Empire
Umayyad Caliphate
Umayyad Caliphate
Seljuk Empire
Seljuk Empire
Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Empire
Which city served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire immediately before the conquest of Constantinople?
Edirne
Edirne
Istanbul
Istanbul
Bursa
Bursa
Ankara
Ankara
Which underground structure in central Istanbul was built to provide water for the Great Palace of Constantinople?
The Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern
Valens Aqueduct
Valens Aqueduct
Constantine’s Column
Constantine’s Column
The Theodosian Walls
The Theodosian Walls
What unique artifacts are famously found serving as bases for two columns in the Basilica Cistern?
Relics of saints
Relics of saints
Viking graffiti
Viking graffiti
Medusa head sculptures
Medusa head sculptures
Statues of horses
Statues of horses
What is the name of the historic underground funicular railway in Istanbul, opened in 1875, that is one of the oldest in the world?
Dolmuş
Dolmuş
Marmaray
Marmaray
Metrobüs
Metrobüs
Tünel
Tünel
Which market in the Eminönü district is also traditionally known as the ‘Egyptian Bazaar’?
Arasta Bazaar
Arasta Bazaar
Çarşamba Market
Çarşamba Market
Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Sahaf Market
Sahaf Market
In what year did the name ‘Istanbul’ officially replace ‘Constantinople’ in international usage for the city’s postal service?
1932
1932
1930
1930
1928
1928
1926
1926
You can do better
Not bad
Great!
If you want to keep exploring, try our quizzes on famous landmarks, castles and palaces, or find some surprising facts in travel curiosities.
