In its transition from 18th century capital of the Ottoman Empire to economic powerhouse of the Turkish Republic, Istanbul has been altered beyond recognition. This intricate and original account charts the urban transformation of an iconic and hybrid city and, through this, delves into the broader arena of Turkey's history. After the establishment of the Republic, Turkey increasingly turned to the West for ideas about how to develop a modern culture, and Istanbul became a forum for different regimes to display their political, ideological and social policies in the context of the built environment. Murat Gul traces the impact of these changing policies on the very fabric of the city itself - its streets, buildings and landscapes - to present a compelling account of the dramatic changes to Turkey's most important metropolis.