Riding the waves of the Bosphorus on a ferry: Come along...

_{Bosporus Bridge: Istanbul, Turkey}

Istanbul, located on the Bosphorus Strait, spans both Europe and Asia, with its rich history as Byzantium and later Constantinople. Once the capital of the Byzantine Empire, it is now a thriving hub for culture, economics, finance, and commerce. The city is home to many Turkish and international companies. Strategically positioned between two continents, it is connected by three bridges, one of which I featured in today’s blog, reinforcing its significance as a key crossroads between Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus, a crucial waterway, remains a vital passage for global maritime traffic.

So, everyone, this will be my final travelogue on Istanbul/ Turkey. That's why I shared a bit of background, history, and the significance of the Bosphorus Strait. Why focus on the Bosphorus? Well, as I mentioned earlier, I’ll be sharing details (and of course, pictures—one of which is my cover photo) of one of the bridges that spans this famous waterway.

So, let's dive in because this iconic waterway connects two continents and we are about to pass through some of Istanbul’s most significant landmarks!

Let me tell you again: The western side is in Europe, the eastern Asia. Our tour will start from started Europe, at Eminonu, in Istanbul’s Old Town.

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This is our ship from inside. Forget to capture it from outside. I was way too excited ;)

Ok that's me on the ferry which was supposed to take us on a tour of Bosporus River. See, how eager I am. ☺️

_{very happy me}

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_{Bosphorus Traffic}

_{it was a beautiful day in Istanbul}

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Maiden's Tower - Located near the entrance to the Bosphorus, this tower is often the first landmark you’ll see as you set off on your ferry tour.

Maiden’s Tower is located on a rock islet just off the coast of Uskudar in Asian Istanbul. There’s been a construction of some sort on this rock since Roman times: a fort, a prison, a customs house, a quarantine ward. The current 19th-century structure is a popular lighthouse/restaurant combo. You might remember it from the 1999 James Bond film, The World is Not Enough. Villainess Elektra King clamped Bond into a rather nasty Ottoman torture chair here. _Sr

_{Maiden Tower}

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Ok, I caught a glimpse of the Galata Tower. See, how it's medieval stone walls are standing proudly above the city. I did tell you about it in my previous blog where saw it up close.

_{Galata Tower in background}

Galata Tower:Zoomed in

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Here is now Dolmabahçe Palace.

Its grandeur undeniable as it hugs the shoreline. Built in the 19th century, it served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, and its European-style architecture reflects the influence of the West during the late Ottoman period.

_{Dolmabahçe Palace: up close}

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As the ferry continued, the Rumeli Fortress appeared, towering over the banks of the Bosphorus.

_{Rumeli Fortress}

Built by Sultan Mehmed II in 1452, it played a crucial role in the conquest of Constantinople by controlling the passage of ships through the strait.

The Bosphorus Bridge is one of two bridges that spans the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It stretches from Ortakoy on the European side to Beylerbeyi on the Asian side and is sometimes referred to as the First Bosphorus Bridge.

_{Passing under the intercontinental bridge: Bosporus Bridge}

At 1560 meters long, the Bosphorus Bridge was the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1973 and was the first bridge to connect Europe and Asia since a bridge spanning the Dardanelles in 480 B.C. Today, it is the 21st longest suspension bridge in the world.

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One of the most striking views was of the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, also known as the Ortaköy Mosque. With its delicate minarets and its location directly on the water's edge, it perfectly encapsulates the fusion of spirituality and the natural beauty that Istanbul is famous for.

_{Büyük Mecidiye Mosque and Bosporus Bridge}

Büyük Mecidiye Mosque: Zoomed in

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This historic building of Kuleli Military High School is further along the European shore, notable for its architectural beauty. It is Ahistorical institution established in 1845 that stands as a testament to Turkey’s rich military heritage.

_{Kuleli Military High School}

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The Topkapi palace sits on a high promontory, making it one of the most noticeable landmarks along the Bosphorus. As your ship approaches, the palace complex becomes increasingly prominent against the backdrop of the city.

_{Topkapi Palace}

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And with this, my travelogue of Istanbul and Bursa, Turkey, comes to an end. I’m happy that I was able to complete my journey even with such a tight schedule. It meant a lot to me. I admit I’m a bit selfish in this regard; I wanted to capture it all before the memories become hazy and fade away.

I am truly grateful that you took the time to read and support my travelogues. If you would like to catch up on any entries you haven’t read yet, I’ve provided links below in chronological order, from the latest to the oldest. Your interest means a lot to me, and I hope my stories inspire you to embark on your own adventures. Thank you once again for your support!

• _{https://steemit.com/hive-185836/@soulfuldreamer/celebrating-bursa-s-independence-day-and-heritage}

• _{https://steemit.com/hive-185836/@soulfuldreamer/nature-s-adventure-awaits-let-s-go-to-bursa}

• _{https://steemit.com/hive-185836/@soulfuldreamer/food-for-thought-turkish-cuisine}

• _{https://steemit.com/hive-185836/@soulfuldreamer/a-few-glimpses-into-the-ancient-grandeur-of-istanbul}

• _{https://steemit.com/hive-185836/@soulfuldreamer/istanbul-love-at-first-sight}