Istanbul is famous for being the city that bridges east and west. The Turkish metropolis sits at the divide between Europe and Asia.

But Istanbul faces another divide, too.

It's a world city that gazes back on a rich history of lost empires: Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman. It's also the focus of Turkey's efforts to forge a stable, prosperous future.

The World's Alex Gallafent recently spent a week in Istanbul. He looks at how Istanbul's hopes and history affect life in the city today.

Download the entire series (mp3)