All About Bosphorus

Gokce Nacar

Dec 16 764 read

All About Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is the landmark of Turkey’s dearest, Istanbul. Its natural beauty gives you a feeling you will probably never forget. It has been a source of inspiration for many. The Bosphorus also called the Strait of Istanbul is a waterway in northwestern Turkey. It connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and separates the continents of Europe and Asia at the same time. The Bosphorus is 19 miles long and its depth varies from 120 to 408 feet. It is extremely fished because it is the route for seasonal migration. You can come across fishermen along the strait. Its shores are filled with fancy villas and restaurants in which you can have a cup of delicious Turkish coffee if you wish!

In Legend

The English name comes from a Greek legend, it is said that once upon a time Zeus, the god of the sky in Greek mythology, had a love affair with a charming woman whose name is Io. When Hera, the goddess, found about this, turned Io into a cow, and she jumped across the strait bothered by a horsefly sent by Hera. The evidence proves that the Bosphorus was blocked by rocks.

In History

The Bosphorus has been significant in terms of transportation, commercial and military since ancient times, it dates back to seven thousand years ago. In history, the strait is used for military purposes, to defense Constantinople now called Istanbul, the Byzantine Emperors, and afterward, Ottomans constructed consolidations. There are Rumeli Hisarı as an example which was built by the command of Sultan Mehmed II, and Anadolu Hisarı by Sultan Bayezid I. There was a rivalry between the states on the Bosphorus because of its unique location which links the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

In time, two bridges which are Bosphorus I, Bogazici, and Bosphorus II, called Fatih Sultan Mehmed were built across the Bosphorus.

What to do

To experience the Bosphorus, you must join a ferry cruise! You can drink your hot tea while enjoying the sea air. During your visit, Turkish cuisine is essential, do not neglect to try at least the grilled fish sandwich. Do not forget to visit Maiden’s Tower. It has a touching story to tell you! The tower is a work of art, and also there is a museum you will definitely want to visit. You will not regret experiencing this atmosphere which has been a subject of poems for centuries, come and create yours!