For nearly 2,000 years Istanbul has been one of Europe's greatest cities. Under its former name, Constantinople, it was the capital of two mighty empires - the first (from 330) ruled by Roman and Byzantine emperors and the second (1453-1922) by Ottoman sultans. During these two periods, the city developed different but coherent traditions of art and design.Lavishly illustrated with objects including sculpture, ivories, manuscripts, icons, ceramics, metalwork, textiles and weapons, this publication traces the challenges and advantages of the city's geographical location, the religious currents that influenced the nature of its art, the aims of the ruling courts in their artistic patronage, and a rich urban culture as shared by a remarkably diverse population.