Stories of the Bosphorus
Istanbul landmarks
Discover the history, legends and defining events of 16 Istanbul landmarks. Start with the miniature map illustrations, then explore real photographs, source-backed stories and details to look for from the Bosphorus.
Maiden’s Tower
A little island, a thousand stories.
Salacak · Üsküdar
Dolmabahçe Palace
The empire’s new waterfront home.
Beşiktaş · European shore
Çırağan Palace
A palace that rose again.
Beşiktaş · European shore
Ortaköy Mosque
Light, stone and the Bosphorus.
Ortaköy · Beşiktaş
Beylerbeyi Palace
A summer palace for royal guests.
Beylerbeyi · Üsküdar
Kuleli
Twin towers, generations of students.
Çengelköy · Üsküdar
Küçüksu Pavilion
An ornate retreat beside the water.
Göksu · Beykoz
Rumeli Fortress
The stone guardian of the strait.
Rumelihisarı · Sarıyer
Anadolu Fortress
An early Ottoman foothold on the Bosphorus.
Anadoluhisarı · Beykoz
Galata Tower
A watchtower with a soaring legend.
Galata · Beyoğlu
Topkapı Palace
Four centuries behind the palace gates.
Sarayburnu · Historic peninsula
Galataport İstanbul
The historic port meets the city again.
Karaköy · Beyoğlu
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
The Golden Horn’s industrial memory.
Hasköy · Golden Horn
Sveti Stefan Church
An iron church by the Golden Horn.
Balat · Fatih
15 July Martyrs Bridge
The first fixed link between two continents.
Ortaköy ↔ Beylerbeyi
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
A second connection across the strait.
Hisarüstü ↔ Kavacık