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Just a little historical note: both Istanbul and Moscow have at some point been termed a New Rome as a successor to the Roman Empire.
These are pretty exciting cities here that are probably going to have an amazing century.
Interesting question; so Rome was Rome, the second Rome was Byzantium with Constantinople as its capitol (that Turks have destroyed, turned to Islam and renamed "Istanbul". )
Now Russia ( with Moscow as its capital) became the Third Rome ( because of all the connections with fallen Byzantium,) but what would make Istanbul a "New Rome?"
Interesting question; so Rome was Rome, the second Rome was Byzantium with Constantinople as its capitol (that Turks have destroyed, turned to Islam and renamed "Istanbul". )
Now Russia ( with Moscow as its capital) became the Third Rome ( because of all the connections with fallen Byzantium,) but what would make Istanbul a "New Rome?"
You said it, it was Constantinople. Even when the Ottomans took over, they declared themselves Caeser of Rome. Also, Mehmet II who took over Constantinople somewhere back in his lineage actually had a Byzantine princess. If you're saying Istanbul's claim isn't much good due to Islam, sure, but Rome started with pagan gods and Moscow might have brought in a version of the religion but it's culturally pretty different from the Mediterranean.
Anyhow, it's just a historic novelty. Both were claimed as new Romes for various reasons at various times. I just thought it was interesting.
Cuisine- Istanbul and its not even close. Turkey has one of the world's best cooking cultures. Russia is arguably the worst.
Scenery- Istanbul! Once again, they don't even compare.
Tourism- Istanbul but Moscow is improving.
Shopping- Moscow for high end, Istanbul for everything else. But you can find the exact same high end shops in Istanbul. So Istanbul overall.
Nightlife- Depends. Istanbul is more bustling at night. Moscow has more nightclubs and bars though. Socially Moscow is more liberal, which leads to some crazier nightlife.
Sports- Russia. They might not take soccer as seriously as the Turks, but the do take their ice sports seriously and individual sports.
However, its not even a comparison to me. Istanbul had great food, the people were far more hospitable, there was much more going on, its more beautiful. Moscow gave me a depressed feeling in a similar way Detroit does- though they aren't similar.
I'd choose Constantinople myself - it's warm there.
Just not Istanbul.
Don't let the name stop people from watching you glisten in the Mediterranean sun. Do it for me.
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