II.

Economy

Located in a large agricultural region, İstanbul Province produces cotton, fruit, olive oil, silk, and tobacco. The city is the chief seaport and commercial and financial centre of Turkey. A large share of the trade of Turkey passes through the Golden Horn, a narrow inlet of the Bosporus that forms an excellent natural harbour. Industries in İstanbul include shipbuilding, distilling, and the manufacture of cement, cigarettes, foodstuffs, glass, leather goods, and pottery. The city is an important rail junction, with several international lines terminating on the European side and another beginning on the Asian side.