> Which major city lies in both Asia and Europe?And the answer: Istanbul. As one of the world's most populous cities, Istanbul is an ancient cultural andeconomic hub of both Europe and Asia. Straddling the Bosporus Strait, Istanbul'scommercial and historical center lies on the European side, and about a third ofits population lives in suburbs on the Asian side.Istanbul is an ancient city and longstanding cultural hub. The city has carriedmany names throughout the years, beginning with "Byzantium" at the time of itsfounding in 657 BCE. Name changes by consequent Roman emperors and Ottoman kingsreflected new rule and new beginnings – after all, this city has long since beenone of the most coveted sources of political and economic power in the world. Once the capital of both the great Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul ishome to countless relics and sites of historical significance. The centuries ofIslamic influence is palpable through the various mosques across the city,including the famous Hagia Sophia. Many of these ancient sites reflect theconvergence of cultures that has historically taken place in Istanbul, withvisibly Roman-influenced column styles alongside Ottoman-era palaces, alongsideByzantine cisterns and mosques. Check out the video below to learn more about the history of this ancient city: