Delegations from Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo have handed in their bid documents to stage the 2020 Olympics, to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne.
Istanbul has tried and failed four times previously, Madrid finished third for the 2012 and second for the 2016 Games while Tokyo previously hosted the Games in 1964.
Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas said the bid has been identified as a strategic national priority for Turkey.
Tokyo has made great play on how winning the race would help heal the wounds from the tsunami in 2011.
Madrid is emboldened by having at least 80% of the venues already built.
The IOC Evaluation Commission is to visit each city in March and presentation will be made in early July to the IOC in Lausanne.
IOC members are to vote on 7 September in Buenos Aires.
