History
Opened in 1973 as the Bosphorus Bridge, this suspension bridge gave Istanbul its first permanent road connection between Europe and Asia.
The crossing connected two shores while leaving maritime traffic to pass beneath it. Its long horizontal deck and suspension cables introduced a new scale to a skyline already shaped by mosques, palaces and neighbourhoods.
Behind the landmark
For centuries, crossing the strait meant travelling by water. The bridge transformed that daily journey and became a modern emblem of the city.
The bridge is also a way to read Istanbul’s geography. Seen from a boat, the connection between continents becomes a physical span above the strait rather than an abstract line on a map.
Important events
- 1970
Construction begins.
- 1973
The first permanent Bosphorus road crossing opens.
What to look for from the water
Distinguish the bridge towers from Ortaköy Mosque’s minarets and Beylerbeyi Palace’s lower frontage. Whether your cruise passes beneath the bridge depends on the route selected for the programme.
Questions about this landmark
Is the Bosphorus Bridge the same as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge?
Yes. The first permanent road bridge across the strait is known by both names.
Does every Bosphorus cruise pass under the bridge?
Routes differ. Confirm the itinerary of your specific programme rather than assuming a bridge crossing.
