All About The Bosphorus
All About The Bosphorus
The Bosphorus Strait... a history of conflicts and treaties
The Bosphorus Strait separates the European and Asian parts of Turkey and a natural waterway located in the northwestern part of Turkey and within its territorial waters. It crosses the city of Istanbul, separating the continents of Asia and Europe, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It starts north from the line that connects the Anatolian Lighthouse on the Asian section to the Rumeli (Terkeli) Lighthouse on the European section. Its southern border ends with the line that connects the "Inciburnu" Lighthouse in Asia to the "Ahrkabey" Lighthouse in Europe.
Estimated numbers for the length of the strait vary - its length ranges between 30 and 32 kilometers, and if the hollows and protrusions are taken into account, the Anatolian coast is about 35 kilometers long, while the Thrace coast is more curved and winding and reaches 55 kilometers in length, including the Golden Horn.
As for its width, it is not the same. It is generally wider in the northern half, where its widest point is located at the northern entrance between the “Anatolia” and “Rumeli” lighthouses, and its width is about 3,600 metres. Then it begins to shrink in the “Basha Bahçe” area until it reaches Its narrowest point is between the Anatolian and Rumeli citadels, and its width is estimated at about 698 metres.
The depth of the strait also varies from one region to another, and often decreases as it slopes towards the south. Its average depth is about 50 metres, and the deepest point is located between the Bebek and Kandilli region and its depth ranges between 110 and 120 metres.
Label
The strait is known worldwide as the Bosphorus. The origin of the last pronunciation goes back to the Greek word “boos poros,” which means “the cow’s passage.” It has been historically linked to the mythical character “Io,” who according to legend was the mistress of Zeus. (A goddess according to Greek belief) so he turned her into a cow to protect her from his wife, Hera. She swam in the form of a cow across the strait to Egypt, where she was restored to her true form.
Some historians indicate that the name is linked to the Phrygians who passed from Europe to Anatolia, and used the word “boos,” meaning “bull,” to refer to the bull-like prow of their ships.
Morphology
The existence of the Bosphorus dates back to the fourth geological era, and there are many theories that explain the early formation processes of the "Girl's Tower" is one of the most prominent islands located above the Bosphorus Strait (Al Jazeera) carrots.
Despite its narrow breadth, small pieces of land rose in parts of it, forming small islands, the most important of which are:
“Girl’s Tower” Island (Kiz Kulesi), which is a small piece of land in the middle of the strait, on which a tower was built, linked to legends and popular tales, has been transformed into a famous restaurant and entertainment site, and has become a destination for domestic and foreign tourism.
Galatasaray Adası Island, which is a land of 400 meters long and 120 meters wide, opposite the Kru Cesme area, 180 meters from the coast, was gifted by Sultan Abdulaziz to the architect Sarkis Dalyan, then bought by the Galatasaray Sports Club in 1957. It has turned into an entertainment center and one of the attractive sites for local residents and tourists.
Dikilikaya Adası Island, located off the coast of Rumelikava, is 180 meters long and 120 meters wide, and an 8-meter-high lighthouse was built on it.
Strategic location
The Bosphorus Strait has occupied a very important strategic position throughout the ages. Human colonies have arisen on its coasts since its formation in pre-Christian times.
The Anatolian Castle - which was built by Sultan Bayezid I on the Asian coast as a watchdog on the strait - is one of the examples of this.
As well as the Rumeli Castle, which was built by Sultan Mehmed II (the Conqueror) on the strait, and which was built with its walls and high towers in preparation for the conquest of Constantinople.
Traffic on the Bosphorus increased significantly after the signing of the Montreux Agreement. It is estimated that the strait makes room for about 50,000 ships to pass annually, with a rate beginning to exceed 150 ships per day.
Nearly 1.5 million people in Istanbul use the Bosphorus Strait daily via sea transportation, which is one of the most important means of internal transportation as they move between the European and Asian sides of the city, in addition to fishing boats, ships, and tourist yachts that constantly roam along the Strait.
This unique environment provided by the strait due to its distinctive location makes it an important center for fishing activities, which contributes to enriching the region’s economy.
Popular tourist attraction
Along the coasts of the Asian and European Straits, ancient neighborhoods, villages, resorts, residences, and villas are spread. Famous Ottoman palaces, buildings, and fortresses were also built, such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Castle, Ciragan Palace, Yildiz Palace, and Ortakoy Mosque.
This is what makes the Bosphorus and its surroundings one of the most important local and foreign tourist destinations, as cruise ships and yachts roam across it to see historical monuments and enjoy the beauty of nature while passing through the border between Europe and Asia. People also go to its coasts full of hotels, restaurants and cafes to enjoy the charming view and stunning view of the strait.