Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus is a 30-kilometer-long strait that separates the continents of Asia and Europe in Istanbul and connects the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea. Its width varies depending on the distance from the shore, reaching up to 3500 meters at its widest point. The average depth is 60 meters, with the deepest point reaching 120 meters. Surface currents flow from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, while underwater currents move in the opposite direction, with occasional counter currents on the surface.

Dolmabahce Palace

An Ottoman palace on the European side of the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş, occupying 250,000 square meters. It sits on the former site of a cove and was the favored residence of Ottoman sultans, overlooking the Bosphorus waters.

Ciragan Palace

Commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and completed in 1871, this marble palace covers an area of 80,000 square meters and replaced a wooden summer palace built in 1800. After Abdulaziz was deposed, he and his family were imprisoned here, as was Murat V for 29 years following his deposition. The palace served as the House of Parliament after 1908 but was damaged by fire in 1910. In the early 1990s, it was restored and reopened as a hotel.

Ortakoy

Ortakoy is a neighborhood in Beşiktaş on the European side of the Bosphorus, situated on slopes opening to the coast. Its bazaar includes souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, and while it is quiet in the early morning, activity begins after 10:00 am.

Bosphorus Bridge

The first suspension bridge over the Bosphorus, connecting Ortaköy on the European side and Beylerbeyi on the Asian side. Construction started in 1970 and the bridge opened in 1973, serving as a key transportation link and Istanbul symbol.

Bebek Park

A historic neighborhood on the European Bosphorus shore surrounded by Arnavutkoy, Etiler, and Rumeli Hisari. It features historic buildings, waterside mansions, and popular restaurants with views of the Bosphorus.

Rumeli Fortress

Located in Sariyer, built in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror at the Bosphorus’ narrowest point opposite Anadolu Hisari. Used historically for defense and maritime inspection, restored in 1953, now serves as a museum and open-air theater.

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge

Istanbul’s second bridge over the Bosphorus, connecting Kavacik and Hisarustu. Constructed between 1986 and 1988, it is the world’s 14th largest steel suspension bridge and carries a significant portion of cross-Bosphorus traffic.

Anadolu Hisari Fort

A fortress built in 1395 by Beyazit I on the Asian side of the Bosphorus at its narrowest point. It consists of a citadel and outer walls. Converted to a military hospital after Istanbul’s conquest, it was restored between 1991 and 1993 and is now an open-air museum with only the outer walls accessible.

Kucuksu Pavilion

A small Ottoman summer palace on the Bosphorus coast road between Uskudar and Beykoz, designed by architect Nikogos Balyan. It was used by sultans for rest and was later converted into a museum during the Republican period.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Built in the 1860s as an Ottoman summer palace on the Bosphorus shore beneath the Bosphorus Bridge, this complex was designed by Sarkis Balyan and combines Renaissance, Baroque, and Eastern styles. The two-story stone building occupies about 2,500 square meters on a rectangular floor plan and includes six halls, 24 rooms, one hamam, and one bathroom. The south side served as the Imperial Mabeyn and the north as the Valide Sultan's Apartment. The palace also features a large garden with a lily pond.

KIz Kulesi

Also called the Maiden’s Tower, it is on a small island about 200 meters from Uskudar’s shore. The tower is linked to a legend about a sultan’s daughter and is a distinctive feature of the Bosphorus skyline.

Galataport

A modern port and social area in Istanbul’s Karaköy district combining historical and contemporary architecture. It includes restaurants, cafes, shops, cultural venues, and an underground terminal for cruise ships.