The starting point of the 17.8-km relay in Istanbul will be the city's signature Sultan Ahmet Square, where TMOK President Togay Bayatli will light the torch. A total of 78 Turkish athletes, artists, and members of the media, along with two Chinese diplomats, will carry the torch through the city.
They will make their way northwards on the seaside road along the Bosporus Strait. Then a passenger boat will carry the torch across the Strait to the Asian part of the city. After this, torch bearers will run over the Bosporus Bridge. After returning to the European part of Istanbul, the torch will head for Taksim Square, for the lighting of a ceremonial cauldron.
