Istanbul

Istanbul by Bettany Hughes is an enthralling and richly detailed narrative that delves deep into the heart and soul of this mesmerising city. Spanning a timeline of over 6,000 years, Hughes brings to life the myriad stories, cultures, and civilisations that have converged upon this unique crossroads between East and West.

A city of many names and faces - Byzantium, Constantinople, and Istanbul - has served as the glorious capital of four mighty empires: Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman. Known simply as The City to many, it is a place where myth and history intertwine seamlessly, creating an enthralling mosaic of human experience. Throughout its existence, Istanbul has been a beacon of civilisation, brimming with passion, conflict, and a continuous ebb and flow of humanity.

Drawing from both meticulous research and new archaeological findings, Hughes offers an epic biography that sweeps across centuries, inviting readers into the ancient streets and bustling markets where Phoenicians, Genoese, Venetians, Jews, Vikings, and Azeris once roamed. With forty-two layers of human habitation discovered beneath its ground, Istanbul's history is as complex and nuanced as the city's own geography.

This highly acclaimed work, a Sunday Times Bestseller, is lauded for its vibrant and life-affirming prose. The Guardian praises it as being written with 'verve' and suffused with romance, while historian Peter Frankopan commends it for being 'richly entertaining and impeccably researched'. As Hughes beautifully reveals, Istanbul is not merely a city; it is an enduring story, constantly evolving yet deeply rooted in its past.

Istanbul takes the reader on a dazzling historical journey, traversing through its various incarnations and exploring the intermingled fates of its diverse inhabitants. It stands as a testament to the city's indomitable spirit and its pivotal role in shaping the course of human history, offering a visceral and immediate connection to a place that continues to enchant and inspire.