Views of the Bosphorus
Bosphorus Strait
Bosphorus Strait - Istanbul, Turkey
The Bosphorus is a natural sea strait within the city of Istanbul, separating Europe and Anatolia. It connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, and via the Dardanelles with the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, forming a single route of world shipping. Transit of ships is regulated by the Montreux Convention of 1936.
The strait is about 31 km long, its width ranges from roughly 700 to 3,700 m, and its maximum depth reaches around 110 m. The Bosphorus has two layers of currents: the surface current flows from the Black Sea toward the Sea of Marmara, and the undercurrent flows in the opposite direction. The narrowest points are near the Rumelihisarı and Anadoluhisarı fortresses; in the southern part the strait opens into the Golden Horn.
The European and Asian shores are connected by three suspension bridges - the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. Underwater are the Marmaray railway tunnel and the Eurasia road tunnel, linking districts of Istanbul.
The name Bosphorus goes back to the ancient Greek Bosporos and translates as "cow ford." Today it is not only a strategic strait but also one of Istanbul's main calling cards: along the shores are Ottoman palaces, fortresses, mosques and promenades with views of the sea and the city.
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The Bosphorus is a natural sea strait within the city of Istanbul, separating Europe and Anatolia. It connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, and via the Dardanelles with the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, forming a single route of world shipping. Transit of ships is regulated by the Montreux Convention of 1936.
The strait is about 31 km long, its width ranges from roughly 700 to 3,700 m, and its maximum depth reaches around 110 m. The Bosphorus has two layers of currents: the surface current flows from the Black Sea toward the Sea of Marmara, and the undercurrent flows in the opposite direction. The narrowest points are near the Rumelihisarı and Anadoluhisarı fortresses; in the southern part the strait opens into the Golden Horn.
The European and Asian shores are connected by three suspension bridges - the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. Underwater are the Marmaray railway tunnel and the Eurasia road tunnel, linking districts of Istanbul.
The name Bosphorus goes back to the ancient Greek Bosporos and translates as "cow ford." Today it is not only a strategic strait but also one of Istanbul's main calling cards: along the shores are Ottoman palaces, fortresses, mosques and promenades with views of the sea and the city.
Best seen from the water.
Bosphorus cruise: routes, views and departure points
The Bosphorus is best experienced from the water. Regular ferries and sightseeing cruises depart from Eminönü, Beşiktaş and Üsküdar: there are short circular routes and full-day trips to the village of Anadolu Kavağı at the exit to the Black Sea. The city operator Şehir Hatları runs classic short and long scheduled tours along the strait.
From the water you can see the Rumelihisarı and Anadoluhisarı fortresses, the Ortaköy Mosque on the shore, the Maiden's Tower at the southern entrance to the strait, as well as the Dolmabahçe, Çırağan and Beylerbeyi palaces. For walks and cafes with views, the promenades of Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek, Emirgan, Kanlıca and Beylerbeyi are ideal. Nearby are Emirgan Park, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum and the Küçüksu Pavilion.
Things to do: take a ferry, capture panoramic photos of the shore and bridges, visit fish restaurants and tea houses on the waterfront, try Kanlıca yogurt, and in Anadolu Kavağı climb up to Yoros Castle for views of the Black Sea entrance. Evening cruises offer dramatic lighting of the waterfront palaces and promenades.
How to get there: Eminönü pier is easily reached by the T1 tram, Üsküdar by the Marmaray line, Beşiktaş by buses from Taksim Square.
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