The Bosphorus Bridge

The Might of The Bosphorus Bridge

If you’re someone who is regularly amazed by feats of architecture, then the Bosphorus Bridge is a spot you need to see with your own eyes.

Connecting the two sides of Istanbul, the Bosphorus Bridge also links two continents – Europe and Asia. As you cross from one side to the other, be it by car or bus, you will see the ‘Welcome to Europe’, or ‘Welcome to Asia’ sign at the crossing point.

Istanbul is the only city in the world which sits on two different continents, which is a claim enough to make you visit. The idea of being able to cross over from one to the other so easily, across a bridge which really is so stunning to the eye, is a must do.

We should point out that you are unable to walk over the bridge, it has to be done by a vehicle. We should also point out that the sheer amount of traffic which crosses this bridge every single day means you’re never going to over with a slight amount of traffic at the very least! If you manage it, you’ve done well! To give you an idea, it is thought that around 180,000 vehicles pass over the bridge in either direction every single day.

About The Bosphorus Bridge

The huge Bosphorus Bridge is not the only bridge that crosses between the two continents, spanning over the huge Bosphorus Strait. There is a second bridge a little further down the coast, and even further down, you will find one more, the newest of them all.

The Bosphorus bridge begins on the European side in Ortakoy, and heads over to Beylerbeyi on the Asian side of the city. You will usually hear it called the ‘First Bridge’.

The Bosphorus Bridge was opened in 1973, and at the time it laid claim as the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world. It was also the first bridge to connect the two continents in the modern age. Nowadays, as more bridges have been built and technology has advanced, the Bosphorus Bridge is the 21st longest suspension bridge on the planet. It’s still quite and impressive sight too! The Bosphorus Bridge was the work of British architects and engineers, and an international effort to construct it to the end result.

Whether day or night, the Bosphorus Bridge is a sight to see, but when the sun sets, the bridge lights up via a clever LED lighting system. Currently, the bridge is red during the evening hours, but in the past it has been different colours, to commemorate various different events throughout history. There are also light shows taking place at certain times, so check ahead of time to see if there is anything coming up when you’re due to visit.

Another fun event related to the Bosphorus Bridge is the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon, which takes place every October. We mentioned that you can’t walk over the bridge, but for this one event every year, cars are not permitted, and runners make their way over the bridge for this charity event. This is also the only marathon in the world which crosses between continents, so definitely check this one out if you’re visiting during the month of October.

About The Bosphorus Strait

Of course, we can’t talk about the Bosphorus Bridge and not mention the huge body of water which is crosses over!

The Bosphorus runs through Istanbul, effectively splitting the two continents, and linking the black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Throughout history, this body of water has been a source of contention, with various Empires fighting for its control. You’ll see fortresses along the banks of the Bosphorus on each side even now, showing you just how well guarded it was back in the day.

Today, the Bosphorus is an extremely busy shipping route, covering around 20 miles from north to south, and with an average of around 197 feet in depth. The widest point of the Bosphorus is a huge 2 miles, with the narrowest point just 500 meters. This winding passage of water, with unpredictable currents, has seen several shipping accidents throughout history, and the perilous curves mean only the most expert maritime professionals are able to travel through it. By law, there must be two experienced pilots on board, and radar towers monitor activity at all times.

Around 140 cargo shipping vessels pass through the city’s waters every day, taking an average of 90 minutes each time.

Aside from the huge Bosphorus Bridge, there are two other bridges which cross over the Bosphorus Strait, as well as the Marmaray tunnel, which travels underneath the water and has a high-speed train connection.

Visiting The Bosphorus Bridge on Land

Of course, you don’t have to drive over the Bosphorus Bridge to be able to experience it in all its glory. Ortakoy sits right at the foot of the bridge, and there is also the stunning Ortakoy Mosque on the banks of the Bosphorus to visit at the same time. You will no doubt have seen the iconic photograph of the beautifully intricate Ortakoy Mosque, with the huge Bosphorus Bridge just behind it. This shows past and present in all its true glory, and visiting this spot is a real must do.

Ortakoy in itself is a great place to head to, with a vibrant atmosphere, stalls selling delicious waffles and jacket potatoes, bars, market stalls, and a laid-back feel. The fact that you are standing at one of the most scenic parts of Istanbul really tops the experience off!

You can easily see the Bosphorus Bridge in the distance no matter where you are in Istanbul; it is so big and mighty that’s it is impossible to avoid! From Sultanahmet, you can just see it in the distance, showing the true cityscape of this huge metropolis. As you head closer, the structure gets bigger and bigger, looming large over you.

Put simply, if you’re visiting Istanbul, it would be a shame not to head to the Bosphorus Bridge, and either cross it, or stand in awe of it.