When it comes to Istanbul, one of the first things to come to mind is Bosphorus Bridge without a doubt. In fact, it became one of the symbols of the city over the years.
If you are visiting Istanbul and want to know more about this bridge, you are in the right place. Because in this post, we are going to talk about the history and the importance of Bosphorus Bridge. Also, you can read about places to visit around the area too.
History Of The Bosphorus Bridge
Throughout history, so many people thought about building a bridge in Bosphorus to connect the two sides. In fact, Darius the Great was the first one to achieve that by lining up ships and rafts together.
Even Leonardo da Vinci wrote a letter to Sultan Bayezid II in 1503 suggesting to build a bridge on Golden Horn and connecting it to Asian side through Bosphorus. In the beginning of the 20th century, Bosphorus Railroad Company applied to build a bridge on Bosphorus but Abdul Hamid II rejected this application.
As you can see, there were so many attempts to build a bridge on Bosphorus thorughout history. In 1968, an agreement was made with an English engineering company called Freeman, Fox & Partners.
The construction of the Bosphorus Bridge began on the 20th of February, 1970. Then the construction lasted for three years until the May of 1973. In the June of the same year, first attempts of crossing the bridge with a vehicle has been made.
President Fahri Korutürk put the Bosphorus Bridge into service on the 30th of October, 1973. This was a very important date, as it was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Turkish Republic. Since then, it is one of the most important bridges in Istanbul. The official name of the bridge today is ”15 July Martyrs Bridge”.
Importance Of The Bosphorus Bridge
It was the first bridge that was ever built over the Bosphorus. That is why, you may often come across people calling this bridge ”the First Bridge”. Bosphorus Bridge connects two contintents, Asia and Europe, which is one of the reasons why it is so important.
Bosphorus Bridge provides the land transportation between European and Asian sides of Istanbul. This means, if you want to go from one side to another using your personal vehicle, you can use this bridge to do that.
Another very important fact about Bosphorus Bridge is, its being one of the biggest suspension bridges in the whole world.
Other Bridges In Istanbul
There are three bridges conntecting the European side and Asian side together, including the Bosphorus Bridge. Turgut Özal opened the second bridge to service in July, 1988. Official name of the second bridge is ”Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge”. The name of the bridge comes from Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conquerer.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is the third bridge on Bosphorus. It also gets its name from an Ottoman Sultan, Selim I. The construction of Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge started in 2013. Recep Tayyip Erdogan opened this bridge to service in August 26, 2016.
Attractions Around the Area
If you are around the Bosphorus Bridge area, there are many places that you should see while you are there. Here are places to visit around the Bosphorus Bridge.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace is in Uskudar district of Istanbul, which is quite close to the Bosphorus Bridge. Sultan Abdulaziz ordered the construction of this palace in 1861. Especially if you are interested in Ottoman history, we would highly recommend you to visit this palace. Also, it has an amazing Bosphorus view that can fascinate you.
Ortakoy
Ortakoy is in the Besiktas district of Istanbul. If you are near the Bosphorus Bridge, you should at least go on a walk in this district. Because it is full of amazing Istanbul restaurants and cafes where you can sip your coffee while you are enjoying the Bosphorus view. In addition you can visit Ortakoy Mosque here as well.
Hazal Kilim
Are you looking for a place to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones during your Istanbul vacation? If your answer is yes, you have found the place you are looking for. Because Hazal Kilim in Ortakoy district, sells old rugs and carpets collected from all around Turkey.