The Ultimate Guide to Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge

The Bosphorus Bridge is one of the most important tourist attractions in Istanbul in which tourists from different parts of the world visit at all times of the year.

General information about the Bosphorus Bridge

The Bosphorus Bridge, or as it is known in recent years, the 15 july martyrs bridge, along with the Sultan Mehmed Bridge, the Sultan Selim Bridge is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Istanbul, and it is one of the three suspension bridges in the Bosphorus. It extends a length of 1,560 meters to connect between The European and Asian continents.

The suspension bridge is anchored by gravity and is supported by steel towers and sloping piers. And the aerodynamic bridge floor is suspended on steel cables. It occupies a large area on the width of the strait so that the width of the bridge is 33.40 meters, and the distance between the suspended towers is 1.074 meters, and the total height of these towers reached 156 meters. While the height of the bridge from the ground to sea level is 64 meters.

Related: Signing up with Safaraq Company for a trip to the Bosphorus Strait.

Where is The Bosphorus Bridge Located?

The Bosphorus Bridge is located on the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, connecting the Sea of Marmara on one side, and the Black Sea on the other, and it is the bridge that divides Istanbul into two European and Asian sides, to facilitate access and traffic between the two continents.

How was the Bosphorus Bridge built?

After the decision to build the Bosphorus Bridge was taken, the engineering plan for the project was designed by the English engineers, where the foundation stone was laid, and the construction operations of the suspension bridge began in 1970. Moreover, the Turkish company Inca for Contracting and Construction Works, in cooperation with foreign companies, undertook the task of building the Bosphorus Bridge overlooking the strait, which was completed in 1973.

Who built the Bosphorus Bridge?

After the urgent need to build a bridge between the Asian and European sides, the Turkish Prime Minister at that time, Adnan Manders, took a decision, to build a suspension bridge in 1957 AD. An agreement has been made with Freeman Fox to complete the engineering plan for the construction of the project.

Stages of building the bridge

After about 3 years of building operations and with the participation of 35 engineers and 400 workers in building this bridge, construction operations were completed on October 30, 1973, for $ 200 million, and the construction stages were as follows:

Drilling stage

In March of 1970, workers began digging the bases, to install the columns for this bridge at the Asian sides in the Beylerbeyi area, and in the European part in the Ortakoy region. After a full year of work, the stage of digging the bases was completed, in a month August of the year 1971 AD.

The stage of installing the columns

After completing the stage of digging the bases, the stage of fixing and installing the columns and the iron parts attached to them began, where work was carried out on the installation of the columns in two areas, one in Ortakoy on the European side, and the other in the Beylerbeyi area on the Asian side. After nearly a year of work, the columns were installed in July 1972.

Connecting the Asian and European sides

After the stage of installing the columns at the two ends, preparations began for the basic bases to connect the two parts in parallel, where the railways carrying the bridge were laid. Then installing the basic rules of the road and connecting the two sides.

The last piece of the roadbed has been placed and the completion of all parts of the base was on March 26, 1973. Then the 60-piece parts of the base were firmly welded together. Thus, for the first time, the crossing from the Asian continent to Europe was done on foot.

How long is the Bosphorus Bridge?

The length of the Bosphorus Bridge is 1560 meters, while the bridge pillars that carry suspension cables rise 64 meters from the surface of the water, and three cars can walk back and forth on the suspension bridge path, through its width of 39 meters.

Bosphorus bridge ranking globally

The Bosphorus Bridge is ranked at an advanced level in terms of length in the world, as it is ranked ninth in the ranking of suspension bridges in terms of length in the world. It ranks third locally, after Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror Bridge and Sultan Selim Bridge.

Other Istanbul bridges

In the series of mega investment projects that the Turkish government has implemented, the suspension bridges come to illuminate the city with its beautiful lighting at night, and it is one of the most prominent tourist places in Istanbul. Among the suspension bridges in Istanbul:

1. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror Bridge - Second Bosphorus Bridge

Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge, or as it is known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, as it was opened in 1988 as a result of the severe congestion witnessed by the Bosphorus Bridge. The bridge is 1090 meters long and 164 meters high. However, the bridge bore this name in honor of the name of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who conquered Istanbul in the year 1453.

2. Sultan Selim I Bridge - Third Bosphorus Bridge

As a result of the problem of overcrowding and congestion, which Istanbul is witnessing that the two bridges couldn’t solve, the Turkish government worked to establish a third bridge, working to reduce traffic in the city, as the foundation stone for this bridge was laid in the year 2013 AD, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Sultan Selim I Bridge, with a width of 59 meters, a length of 2164 meters, and a height of 320 meters, is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Istanbul, and it is one of the longest and widest suspension bridges in the world. Istanbul is the only city in the world, which includes 3 huge suspension bridges.

Bosphorus Bridge at night

The view of the Bosphorus Bridge at night is one of the most beautiful scenes you can see in your life, where you can spend the most beautiful times with a panoramic view of the Bosphorus, and the wonderful lighting filling the place.

Bosphorus Bridge Restaurants

Restaurants overlooking the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul are considered a must-visit destination for many visitors and locals alike. So what makes them so appealing? It's the enchanting view that captivates the heart, making dining a unique experience where the magic of the majestic strait view blends with delicious tastes and a wonderful atmosphere.

1. Oba Restaurant: Oba Restaurant is ranked among the best dining options on the Bosphorus, captivating its visitors with its direct and stunning view over the strait. The restaurant is particularly famous for serving rich and varied Turkish breakfasts, providing an ideal start to a busy day, but it also offers a delicious menu for lunch and dinner. The experience at Oba is complemented by its excellent service and moderate, reasonable prices, making it an attractive option for many. The restaurant also offers a comfortable atmosphere with its calm seating areas, whether indoors with an elegant design or outdoors in the open air to enjoy the charming view up close.
2. Huqqa Restaurant: Huqqa is considered a very trendy and popular destination, distinguished by its location offering a distinctive view of the Bosphorus and the surrounding coast. Food-wise, Huqqa offers a diverse menu satisfying various tastes, skillfully blending well-known international dishes with authentic local Turkish flavors, and notably featuring some delicious Italian options. In addition to food, the Huqqa chain is famous for offering shisha (hookah) in multiple and innovative flavors. As for the atmosphere, it's often lively and youthful, making it a favorite spot for friends' meetups and energetic, informal gatherings.
3. Ulus Park Restaurant / Ulus 29: This restaurant enjoys a unique location within the upscale Ulus Park, giving it the exceptional advantage of a breathtaking, elevated panoramic view, revealing the beauty of the Bosphorus Strait in its wide expanse and its two famous bridges in a majestic scene. Ulus Park (and renowned restaurants within it like Ulus 29) is considered an upscale and preferred destination for many seeking luxury and distinction. The menu often reflects this sophistication, offering distinguished dishes that might focus on modern Turkish or international cuisine with innovative touches. The atmosphere here leans towards elegance and refinement, and might be somewhat more formal compared to others, making it ideal for special occasions, important business dinners, or for those who simply wish to enjoy the Bosphorus view from an unparalleled elevated angle, which always places it among the most visited restaurants for this reason.

Bosphorus Bridge Cafes

Sitting in one of these cafes, while you contemplate the movement of ships and the reflections of light on the water, is like stepping into a beautiful and serene dream – a moment of tranquility and pure beauty that is hard to forget. For this reason, we have prepared a short list including some of the most significant and popular of these cafes, to help you choose your next destination:

1. Oba Park Cafe: Oba Park Cafe is distinguished by its unique location, directly overlooking the Bosphorus Strait and its famous bridge, providing a stunning natural view. The cafe consists of two floors, offering visitors varied options; many prefer sitting on the upper floor to enjoy the fresh air and the light scent of the sea, while the ground floor offers a distinct experience sitting near water level – a captivating view, especially in the evening when the reflected lights of the bridge sparkle on the water in their bright and attractive colors. The place is known for its calm and comfortable atmosphere, making it a suitable option for families and children as well.
2. Ulus Cafe: Ulus Cafe is considered one of the famous and preferred destinations among Bosphorus cafes, and its location is often associated with a magnificent, elevated panoramic view of the strait (it might be part of the larger Ulus Park complex or located nearby). It is famous for offering upscale and excellent services befitting its reputation, and its distinction is not limited to the view alone but extends to include the quality of its diverse drinks and delicious light foods and snacks. The cafe provides an atmosphere tending towards calmness and comfort, making it an ideal place for relaxation, getting away from the city's hustle and bustle, and enjoying the comprehensive view of the strait.
3. Aşşk Kahve (Love Cafe): Aşşk Kahve bears a name suggestive of its atmosphere ("Aşk" means love in Turkish); it is a charming and romantic destination located directly on the banks of the Bosphorus, close to the lively and famous Ortaköy area. Its captivating view, very close to the water, makes it an extremely popular destination, often crowded with visitors daily. Therefore, arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot to enjoy the view. Although its prices might be relatively high compared to others, many find that the unique experience, the wonderful seating directly overlooking the strait, and the enchanting atmosphere that's hard to leave easily, justify the cost. The cafe offers excellent services and high-quality drinks and light dishes that satisfy the tastes of its patrons seeking a distinct experience.

Enjoy the Bosphorus Tour in Istanbul with Safaraq Company

Are you ready for a journey that takes you through time and place, to witness the majestic Sultans' palaces and towering historical fortresses from a completely different perspective? The Bosphorus tour is your gateway to this beauty. Book your Bosphorus tour now with  Safaraq Company and enjoy the magic of Istanbul! We provide our clients with comprehensive tourism services, including airport reception, accommodation in the most luxurious hotels, and offering a car rental service with a professional, English-speaking driver.

Edited by: Safaraq Travel Tourism ©

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