Istanbul, Republic of Turkey

Istanbul is the largest city and the center of culture, and financial activities in Turkey. It is the only city in the world that straddles over both the European and Asian continents. Historically speaking, it prospered as the capital of Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire. In 1985, the old city area that houses many historical architectures such as Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Ayasofya were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Population: 1,360,000 million

Area: 1,831　km²

After Istanbul joined the League of Historical Cities in 1994, the tie between Kyoto and Istanbul deepened in both governments and private sectors. This includes the establishment of affiliation between universities and launching academic exchange programs. Doshisha University has been active in interacting with some universities in Istanbul. In 2010, the president of Doshisha University officially proposed to the mayor of Kyoto that the City of Kyoto should establish a partner city relation with the City of Istanbul. Responding to this proposal, the Kyoto City Delegation headed by the mayor visited Istanbul and signed the partner city protocol between Kyoto and Istanbul. 

June 14, 2013

Academic research and education