As capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul played a central role in a variety of religious, intellectual, political, and cultural movements. The impact of these movements is visible in the city's architecture, museums, and libraries.
Istanbul is a vibrant academic center. Institutions of higher education include Istanbul University (founded in 1453), Istanbul Technical University (1773), Marmara University (1883), Yildiz University (1911), the University of the Bosporus (founded as Robert College in 1863 and taken over by the national government in 1971), and Koç University (1993). Two of Turkey's finest museums are housed in Topkapi and Hagia Sophia. Other museums in Istanbul include the Turkish Military Museum and the Atatürk Museum. Istanbul's Opera House stages operas, ballets, and symphonies.
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Istanbul Information info
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