The must-see city; Istanbul
The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait that connects the Black Sea (Pontus Euxinus) to the Marmara Sea (Propontis). It is approximately 31 km / 20 mi long and ranges in width between 1 and 2.5 km / 0.5 and 1.5 mi.
The narrowest point is 700 m / 2,300 ft between the Rumeli and Anadolu fortifications. Swift currents make it tough to navigate. The average depth is 50 meters (164 feet).
There are two currents in the Bosphorus, one on the surface from the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea and one below the surface in the opposite direction. The Black Sea is 24 cm / 9.5 in higher than the Marmara, which generates the surface current. The other current is caused by differences in salt rates between the two seas.
There are several attractions along both coastlines, including historic ruins, charming villages, and wooded regions. Near the southern end is the Golden Horn, Istanbul’s port and one of the world’s most convenient natural harbors.
Almost all trade between the Mediterranean and Black seas was channeled through the strait in ancient and medieval periods. It is still a significant international commercial route.
Every year, around 38,000 ships sail across the Bosphorus. The term Bosphorus derives from the story of the virgin Io and means “ford of the calf” in ancient Greek.
To discover the Istanbul City and witness history, take a look at our private guided Istanbul Tour!
If you wish to learn more about Ephesus before taking our Ephesus tours, follow this link.
SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
Suleymaniye, rather than a mosque, is an important historical symbol for the Turks. It unites Sinan with Suleyman, one representing
ORME SUTUN (The Constantine Column)
Unlike the Egyptian Obelisk, this is not a monolith but a column built of stones. Who erected it and when
KAPALI CARSI (GRAND BAZAAR)
During the Byzantine period the area of the Grand Bazaar was a trade center. After the Turks came to Istanbul,
MISIR CARSISI (EGYPTIAN BAZAAR)
It was built in 1664 as a part of the Yeni Cami complex which is located next to it. Misir
DIKILITAS (The Egyptian Obelisk)
It was originally one of the two obelisks which were erected in the name of Thutmose III in front of
KARIYE MUZESI (CHORA MUSEUM)
Kariye Museum originally formed the center of a Byzantine monastery complex. Only the church section, which was dedicated to Jesus
BURMA SUTUN (The Serpentine Column)
After defeating the Persians at the battles of Salamis (480 BC) and Plataea (479 BC), the 31 Greek cities, by
ISTANBUL BOGAZI OR BOGAZICI (BOSPHORUS)
The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea (Pontus Euxinus) to the Marmara
SULTAN AHMET CAMISI (BLUE MOSQUE)
Built by Sultan Ahmet I as a part of a large complex, among the Turkish people it is called Sultan
YEREBATAN SARAYI – BASILICA CISTERN
Istanbul was one of the most often besieged cities in the world and has always needed permanent water supplies. And
AYASOFYA (HAGIA SOPHIA)
The Hagia Sophia was probably the largest building on the world’s surface, barring the Egyptian Pyramids, or the Great Wall
THE HAREM
The concept of the harem has provoked much speculation. Curiosity about the unknown and inaccessible inspired highly imaginative literature among
TOPKAPI SARAYI (PALACE)
The Topkapi Sarayi was the second palace in Istanbul after the conquest. The first was in the Bayezit area and