This is the classic City vs. Metro discussion... one in which I think many people (including myself) have strong feelings on, but nonetheless not worth bogging down this topic with. According to Wikipedia, Istanbul is a
Metropolitan Municipality If NYC, or a whole host of other world cities for that matter, were able to effectively annex ALL of their suburbs (the boundary of where suburbs become exurbs is of course is also under constant debate), it would push Istanbul way down the list; but I/we digress.
Great pictures though! I would love to visit someday!