Boğaziçi, Natural strait in Istanbul, Turkey
Bogazici is a natural strait connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara while separating the European and Asian parts of Istanbul. Three major bridges, regular ferry routes, and an underwater rail tunnel link the two sides together.
In 1452, Sultan Mehmet II built the Rumeli Hisari and Anadolu Hisari fortresses on opposite shores to command maritime passage during the conquest of Constantinople. These fortifications demonstrate how controlling this waterway became essential to regional power.
The waterfront displays Ottoman mansions, palaces, and fishing settlements that reflect traditional Turkish building styles. You encounter these structures while walking along the shore or taking a boat ride through the strait.
You can explore the strait on foot from either the European or Asian shore, or take a boat trip to view both sides. Early morning visits offer clearer air and fewer vessels crossing the water.
Vessels must navigate seven sharp turns through tight channels to pass through the strait, making it one of the world's most complex shipping routes. This difficult passage has led to the training of specialized local pilots who guide ships through these waters.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
