First şehremini appointed in 1855, covering Beyoğlu and Galata. Municipality separated from province in 1957. 1960 coup abolished councils, 1980-1984 military-appointed mayors. 2004 Metropolitan Municipality Law expanded to cover entire provincial borders
Established in 1984 to manage Istanbul's urban centers. Initially covered 35% of Istanbul Province. Extended jurisdiction to entire province in 2004. Divided into 39 district municipalities with elected mayors