Bosphorus Strait

Bosphorus Strait forms the boundary between the European part of Turkey, Rumelia, and its Asian part, Anatolia, i.e. the Bosphorus Strait divides the European and Asian continents, but at the same time serves as a connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Approximately 30 km long, with a minimum width of 700 meters and a maximum width of 3700 meters, and with depth varying from 36 to 124 meters, the Bosphorus Strait is the world's narrowest strait used for international navigation. The Bosphorus Strait runs right through the heart of Istanbul, past the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, several Ottoman palaces, at least two fortresses, forested hills, and shore villages with Ottoman architecture. Today, there are two bridges that cross the Bosporus. The first, the Bosphorus Bridge, 1074 meters long, was completed in 1973. The second, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, 1090 meters long and about five kilometers north of the first bridge, was completed in 1988.

Geological evidence supports the theory that in ancient times the northern end of the Bosphorus was blocked by earth and rocks and thus the Black Sea had no opening towards other waters and therefore its water level was below that of the Aegean Sea, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosphorus. However, an earthquake destroyed the Bosphorus blockage, releasing huge amounts of water from the Bosphorus into the Black Sea, which caused the increase of water level of the Black Sea and flooded its coastal settlements. The Bosphorus has been a waterway of highest importance since ancient times. Today, the way to enjoy the Bosphorus is to take a cruise by traditional ferry or TurYol boat and make a tour, or to relax at a tea-house or restaurant along its shores.