Bosphorus and the Three Bridges of Istanbul
Istanbul is a unique city that is situated between two different worlds, Asia and Europe. The Bosphorus Strait of Istanbul shines as a beautiful jewel which connects them in most elegant ways. The Bosphorus itself and its surroundings on land have always held great importance for many civilizations throughout its long history. There are plenty of historical landmarks, charming modern buildings, natural parks that oversee the Bosphorus and three amazing bridges that bind Asia and Europe together.
Istanbul Bosphorus: A Cradle of Civilizations
As you keep on discovering İstanbul, you will realize that there is no city like İstanbul while the Bosphorus is one of the most prominent reasons for it. The Bosphorus is about prestige, beauty, and uniqueness. There are many historical evident landmarks around the Bosphorus today that visitors and locals can enjoy, Rumeli Fortress and Anatolian Fortress being just two of them.
Rumeli Fortress and Anatolian Fortress
Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress is situated on the European side of the Bosphorus in order to prevent any help Byzantines can get to delay the conquest of İstanbul; it was called “Boğazkesen” (Strait Cutter) by the time it was built. The fortress was completed only in four months and has been still standing for more than five centuries. Rumeli Fortress consists of very well-preserved three large towers accompanied by fourteen smaller towers, and thick stone walls. You can also visit a museum in Rumeli Fortress and enjoy spectacular sceneries of the Bosphorus. Anatolian Fortress is located in just the opposite of Rumeli Fortress, in the Anatolian side.
Anatolian Fortress
Anatolian Fortress had the same intention as Rumeli Fortress in its first building phase, to prevent Byzantine to get help from its allies in Europe onto the upcoming siege of İstanbul. Anatolian Fortress was built in 1394 by Bayezid I and still is in great condition with many local restaurants, a museum, and striking sceneries of both the Black Sea and the Bosphorus.
Stylish Estates around the Bosphorus
Bosphorus is one of the most unique places in the world and has spectacular sceneries. It is possible for you to find an apartment that has that amazing view, or buy a waterside mansion that is situated on the banks of the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus is not going to lose its charm and buying a place near it would also be a financially-wise investment.
Three Bridges
There are three bridges in İstanbul that connects its European and Asian sides together.
15 July Martyrs Bridge
15 July Martyrs Bridge, previously called Bosphorus Bridge, is the first trans-continental bridge of İstanbul that was opened on the 30th of October 1973 to celebrate 50th anniversary of Turkish Republic. The bridge extends between Ortaköy district in the European side and Beylerbeyi district in the Anatolian side.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge also called as Second Bosphorus Bridge, is the second bridge of İstanbul and was opened in 1988. The bridge is named after Mehmet the Conqueror, who captured İstanbul from Byzantine in 1453. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is situated between Hisarüstü in the European side and Kavacık in the Anatolian side.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge also called as Third Bosphorus Bridge, is the third bridge of İstanbul that is mostly used for transit passages. Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is one of the tallest bridges of the world and opened to traffic in 2016. The bridge was named after Sultan Selim, who conquered Egypt and obtained the title of Caliph of Islam in 1517.
