Once the capital of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations, İstanbul is the foremost starting point in discovering its identity as a megalopolis, or "mega city," shaped over thousands of years, as well as in exploring the diverse cultural geographies surrounding the city. Therefore, İstanbul Research Institute follows the traces of civilization from the centre towards the periphery, focusing on the cultural structure and the human profile, including Byzantine, Ottoman and the Republican periods of the İstanbul. In doing so, the Institute aims as its main targets, to develop and support projects in light of these relevant research areas and to organize local and international conferences and other activities, consequently sharing the results with relevant institutions and the public. The Institute aspires to realize its main objectives through the programs of the Byzantine, Ottoman and Republic Studies Sections its holds.