Bridge over the Bosphorus: the shortest route from Europe to Asia. The majestic bridges of Istanbul: a list and photos of the new bridge across the Bosphorus

Overview of two bridges across the Bosphorus - the southern, visible from the center of Istanbul (First Bosphorus, 1973), and the northern, later (Fatih Bridge, 1988). Both bridges were built and opened on significant dates: the first - on the 50th anniversary of its foundation Republic of Turkey M.K. Ataturk, the second - to the 535th anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople from Byzantium. Both bridges are quite beautiful, but I liked the second one more. At the same time, you will see in the pictures how narrow the Bosphorus is, connecting two seas and separating two parts of the world.

Bridge them. Sultan Mehmed II Fatih, 1988

First, I will show you the First Bosphorus Bridge (Boğaz Köprüsü). Basic data :
The length of the bridge is 1560 meters, the length of the main span is 1074 meters, the width is 33 meters, the height of the supports is 165 meters above the water. From the roadway to the surface of the water - 64 meters. The laying of the bridge, planned back in 1950, was carried out on February 20, 1970. The opening of the bridge took place on October 29, 1973, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. The bridge was built by the German firm Hochtif and the English firm Cleveland Engineering.

2. Since I crossed the Bosphorus several times in different weather, the pictures will be different in mood. This one was taken when I was on the ferry to Haydarpasa Station. The weather was almost perfect. Pay attention to how obliquely the merchant ship goes along the fairway. As I later became convinced, the route along the main fairway there is not straight and rather complicated, so a pilot is required for the pilot.

3. And this is the same, but in cloudy weather. We leave from Uskudar.

4. Also, with seagulls interfering with shooting. For some reason there great amount, and the most advanced locals buy bagels, crumble them and throw them to seagulls right on the go, and you can watch a real air-bird performance “Take a piece from a neighbor on the fly”.

5. Again in good weather. Again, a transit ship is caught in the frame, next to the Black Sea.

5a. In the evening, on some days, it is turned on, the backlight looks like this. But not every day! (I haven't been able to figure out the pattern)

6. Well, a shot made from a metrobus through the glass when I crossed it overland. Remember, I showed you the video “From Europe to Asia”?

The second bridge, them. Sultan Mehmet Fatih "The Conqueror" (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü) seemed to me noticeably more charismatic in appearance. All pictures were taken near the final bus that goes to the historical Rumelihissar fortress. Some - from the fortress, some - from above.

Data on it:
The length of the bridge is 1510 meters, the length of the main span is 1090 meters, the width of the bridge is 39 meters, the height of the supports is 165 meters above the water. From the roadway to the surface of the water - 64 meters.

The second bridge was built by the Japanese, not the Europeans, and in terms of height above sea level (64 m) and the height of the pylons (165 m) it is identical to the First. Both bridges are strictly closed for pedestrian traffic - you can only go by transport, from a motorcycle and above.

7. General view from above. Near the Asian shore, on a hill, there is a huge flagpole with the Turkish flag.

8. Somewhat closer, with a view of the Asian pylon. Notice how heavy the traffic is there. And for some reason, there are more trucks here than on the First Bridge - perhaps the Turks have some restrictions on this. And 80% of heavy trucks go from Asia to Europe, and not vice versa. I couldn't find an explanation for this fact.

9. An angle to the Bosphorus, which winds intricately there.

10. Another view from the fortress.

11. We climbed higher, the frame is facing north.

12. Trucks to Europe go almost continuously.

13. At the very top of the hill: you can see the flow from above.

14. View from the same place, but to the east, to Asia. Appreciate the narrowness of the Bosphorus - its width here is probably 600-700 meters. Near the shore, a large ship is moving along the main fairway, almost in the center is the tower of the “Cut Throat” fortress, built by this same Fatih in 1452 in just six months. With this construction, he finally blocked the free passage along the Bosphorus and concentrated troops and artillery there. A year after the construction of the fortress, the unfortunate Byzantine Constantinople will fall.

15. The same ship follows the Black Sea. The fairway winds there too.

16. Another view of the bridge. Pay attention in the lower left corner to main feature Istanbul? If I had noticed him earlier, this picture would have ended up in the post “Istanbul cats” 🙂

17. View of Asia.

18. ... and, for dessert, to the narrow Bosphorus. The fortress begins a little to the south, did not enter the frame.

Istanbul. Bridge over the Bosphorus at night. View from Eminonu.

Bridges of Istanbul grandiose, graceful and famous. It cannot be said that they delight the eye with architectural delights - they are not there and they are not needed there! They don't need plaster decorations! They fascinate a person, as the night fascinates, pulling you out of everyday life and leaving you alone with the cosmos. When you see them, you will feel it for yourself.

Bridges of Istanbul not the largest in the world, but the only ones in the world that connect no more - no less than parts of the world! Although, of course, their meaning is not at all in this, but in connect Istanbul divided by the Bosphorus into a single whole. Of course, it is more romantic to cross the strait by ferry, but the bridge is still safer and easier.

By the way, a few words about what, in fact, to swim across or move - itself name of the Bosphorus translated from Greek means "cow ford". That is, approximately the same as the word “Moscow” means in translation from the Komi language (there is such a version!). Thus, both Istanbul and Moscow are interconnected, at least by cows. True, there is one “but” here! The point is that when On May 29, 1453, the Turks took Constantinople. and turned it into Istanbul, they were already Muslims, that is, strict monotheists, and naturally, Greek myths weren't interested. And that cow that swam across the Bosphorus came from the ancient Greek myth about the mistress of Zeus named Io. In an attempt to hide his mistress from the righteous wrath of his wife Hera, Zeus turned Io into a cow. This one cow and swam across the Bosphorus, fleeing from the terrible gadfly, which the vengeful Hera created especially for her ...

But, frankly, even if the Turks knew ancient Greek mythology, they would hardly be able to imagine such an ugly behavior of a woman, even the wife of Zeus himself. As a result of this clash of civilizations, the Turks the Bosphorus began to be called simply the Istanbul Strait (İstanbul Boğazı)- it is clear, understandable and does not violate the order in the harem!

But back to our bridges. Now in Istanbul there are three bridges across the Bosphorus. The last of them, the bridge of Sultan Selim the Terrible, was opened on August 26, 2016.

Istanbul. Bosphorus bridge.

He is also: Boğaziçi Köprüsü or Boğaz Köprüsü - in Turkish.
He: Bosphorus bridge or First Bosphorus Bridge - in English.
Or more clearly - the First Bosphorus Bridge.
Sometimes, very rarely, it is also called the Atatürk Bridge.

The main characteristics of the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul.

Bridge over the Bosphorus planned to begin construction in 1950. But apparently something did not grow together in the Turkish State Planning Committee and it took another 20 years until the first stone lay in the foundation of the first bridge across the Bosphorus. The bridge was built by the German company Hochtif and English firm Cleveland Engineering. The construction cost was about $200 million. I mentioned Gosplan for a reason - of course, there was no Gosplan in Turkey, there is not, and, hopefully, there will not be. Memories were inspired by the date of putting the bridge into operation - October 29, 1973, the Day of the Foundation of the Republic of Turkey. Immediately remembered Soviet times, gifts for holidays and congresses…. But as you can see, we are not alone. Travel on the Bosphorus Bridge is paid. But only when traveling Europe-Asia. AT reverse side for free. The fare, depending on the category of car, is from 4.25tl to 10.25tl. The bridge is closed to pedestrians. In order not to tempt a shortcut to better world. Because the cases were...

Istanbul. Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge.

Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge.

He is also: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü - in Turkish.
He: Fatih Sultan Bridge or Second Bosphorus Bridge - in English.
Or more clearly - the Second Bosphorus Bridge.

I draw your attention to the fact that it is more correct to call this bridge a bridge Fatih Sultan Mehmed.

Key features of the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge in Istanbul.

The Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge is located next to the Genoese fortress.

Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge was built by a Japanese firm for $130 million.

And here we also see the magical date of the launch of the bridge - May 29, 1988 - the day of the 535th anniversary of the capture of Constantinople by the Turks. Fatih Sultan Mehmed, nicknamed Mehmed the Conqueror, commanded the Turks in those glorious times. Now we understand why the second bridge across the Bosphorus was named after him.

The bridge is closed to pedestrians. We already know the reason.

The Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge is toll-free. The amount of payment and conditions are similar to the first bridge - they pay only when traveling Europe-Asia and the fare, depending on the category of car, is from 4.25tl to 10.25tl.

Both the first and second bridges of Istanbul look very similar to each other. However, they can be easily distinguished from each other by the cables on which the bridge canvas is suspended. On the Bosphorus Bridge (the first bridge), these cables run in a zigzag pattern, while on the Sultan Fatih Mehmed Bridge, these cables are arranged vertically. This is especially well seen at night, when the illumination is turned on on the bridges. (See photo at top of page.)

Istanbul. Bridge of Sultan Selim the Terrible.

He is also: Yavuz Sultan Selim Köprüsü - in Turkish.
Or more clearly - the third Bosphorus bridge.

I don’t have photos of this bridge yet, because I was in Istanbul when this bridge was just being built.
In the name of the bridge, we hear "native" motives, because Russia had its own "formidable" ruler. Indeed, they both marked their mark in history with rivers of blood. And they lived almost at the same time - in the 16th century. Maybe it was the time?

The main characteristics of the bridge of Sultan Selim the Terrible in Istanbul.

On August 26, 2016, the official opening ceremony of the Selim the Terrible Bridge took place.
From 08/27/2016 to 08/31/2016, the passage on the bridge was free. Now the fare on the bridge is approximately $3.

The design of this bridge is a mixed cable-stayed and suspension. By appearance it is somewhat different from the previous two. In addition, its important difference is the presence of a double-track railway track, which, it seems to me, will give new incentive industrial development of the Asian part of Turkey.

Istanbul. Galata bridge.

Galata bridge from Eminonu embankment.

He is also: Galata Köprüsü - in Turkish.
He: Galata Bridge - in English.

The length of the bridge is 484 meters, the width is 42 meters,
the central part of the bridge 80 meters long - adjustable.

In Istanbul, in addition to bridges across the Bosphorus, there are several more bridges across Golden Horn bay(in Turkish Halic bay, bay). The most famous of them, which connects the districts of Istanbul Galata(now called Karakoy) and Eminonu(Eminönu). The bridge is automobile-tram-pedestrian. Bridge route tram - T1, or, as it is sometimes called, tourist - along its route, the main historical sights of Istanbul are located. So if you want to get from the Galata Bridge to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), or to the Grand Bazaar, then you just need it. Tram stops are located on both sides of the bridge.

The height of the bridge above the water level, as you can see, is small, which imposes significant restrictions on the size of ships and permissible weather. In order for the height of the bridge not to become too an insurmountable barrier for shipping the central part of the Galata bridge is drawable.

The Galata Bridge is two-story, on the lower floor there are restaurants, mainly with a fish menu and beer. Speaking of fish, please note that all the railings of the bridge are plastered with fishermen. The catch, as far as I have noticed, is exclusively of feline interest.

Fish market from Galata (Karakoy).

And these are the results of "adult" fishing - near the beginning of the Galata Bridge from the side of Galata there is a fish market. Every time I buy fish in Moscow stores, I remember him with longing. I feel even sadder when I eat this supermarket fish.

Historic floating fish kitchens.

But on the other side of the Golden Horn (Khalich) on the Eminonu embankment, the same fish in the same bun will already cost 20% more, as much as 6 lira! And crowds of people stand in line here for this fish sandwich and no one goes to opposite side even for the sake of saving 1 lira! The reason, of course, is not that the Turks like to squander money, no, the reasons are different:

• First, this historical place and for hundreds of years now, such (or almost such) pretty boats, floating kitchens, on which this very fish is fried, have been standing on this place. I mean, it's a tradition!
• Secondly, fifty meters from the floating kitchens is the bus station.
• Thirdly, the Eminonu pier is also located here, from which tourist boats and ferries depart to cross the Asian coast of the Bosphorus.

The combination of all these factors led to the fact that fish was fried at this place a hundred years ago, and they will be fried in a hundred years. Insha-Allah, as the Turks say!

On the bridges of Istanbul with GlobEx!

Istanbul. Bridges across the Golden Horn.

You can walk, ride or just stroll along the bridges of Istanbul by ordering a tour at the Globex travel agency. Read the Schedule of sightseeing tours in Istanbul. Maybe this will inspire you.

While visiting the city of Istanbul, we decided to look at the famous Bosphorus Bridge. He is the first suspension bridge, which was built across the Bosphorus, so it is also called the first Bosphorus bridge. It connects the Asian and European parts of the city.

This bridge is rightfully considered not only one of the symbols of modern Istanbul, but of the whole of Turkey. The grandeur of this building is truly impressive. The total length of the bridge is more than 1.5 km, the length of the main span is about 1 km, the width of the bridge is 33 meters, the height of the supports is 166 meters, and from the surface of the water to the roadway is 64 meters.

The construction of the bridge was planned in 1950. But the project, which was developed by the British engineers W. Brown and G. Roberts, "mature" for another 20 years. Construction work began only in 1970. Official opening bridge took place at the end of October 1973, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. About 200 million US dollars were spent on its construction. At the time of completion, the Bosphorus Bridge was considered the fourth longest bridge in the world, today it has dropped to 16th place.

Crossing the bridge every day more than 200 thousand cars, which carry about 600 thousand passengers. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the exact amount to travel across the bridge, but it’s not expensive. The bridge is closed to pedestrians. As we managed to find out, such drastic measures are connected with the fact that earlier the bridge was very popular among suicides. But once a year, as an exception, pedestrians are still allowed on the bridge. This happens in October during the Istanbul Marathon, where participants start the race in Asia and finish in Europe. During this marathon, all vehicular traffic on the bridge is blocked.

Having driven a car across the bridge, we didn’t see anything interesting - it’s an ordinary road, hundreds of tons of concrete and metal.

So we decided to look at it from afar. I can recommend the following places for this: during the day you can admire the bridge from a ship cruising the Bosphorus. From afar, the bridge looks like a thin thread, it will be all at a glance. They say that if you swim right under the bridge and make a wish, it will certainly come true.

The best way to see the bridge is evening time. It is especially beautiful at sunset or at night when the lights are turned on. For this, in my opinion, some restaurant on the banks of the Bosphorus is ideal. For example, one of the restaurants under the Galata Bridge. In the dark, the whole bridge glows, shimmers with multi-colored lights, and a sparkling garland is reflected in the water. Once every few minutes, the color of the included lamps on it changes - they turn either red, then blue, then green.

The building was impressive. Hundreds of tons of metal and concrete, along which hundreds of cars move at the same time, look like a toy from the outside. The bridge, in my opinion, fits perfectly into general form cities.

I also liked the walk along the Bosphorus under the bridges of Istanbul. Although the weather was cloudy, it was raining lightly and the views of the city were completely different than in sunny weather. Well, it's okay, there will be a reason to return to Photo 28. I and compare the perception of the city and the Bosphorus in different versions.

By tradition, I offer the video version first:

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Since the weather was generally not flying, half of the photos were taken through glass and with glare. Well, that's how I got to see Istanbul.

The Bosporus, paired with the Dardanelles and together with the Sea of ​​Marmara, separates the Asian and European parts of modern Turkey. In Turkish, the strait is called Istanbul Bogazy (Istanbul Strait). The length and width of the strait is half the length and width of the Dardanelles.

The length of the Bosporus is about 30 km, the width is from 0.7 to 6 km, and the length of the Dardanelles is 65 km and the width is from 1.3 to 3.7 km. Through the Bosporus, the Black Sea is connected to the Sea of ​​Marmara, and then through the Dardanelles to the Aegean and mediterranean seas, so they regularly pass through the Bosphorus merchant ships, passenger liners and oil tankers. Connecting Europe and Asia, the Bosporus moves desalinated-salty waters from the Black Sea to the Sea of ​​Marmara, and further to the Mediterranean. The Bosphorus is unique in many respects - it is an old river valley which is flooded sea ​​water and has two oppositely directed currents: desalinated upper and salty - lower.

The Bosphorus is also the meeting point of two continents - Europe and Asia, and the bridges across the strait and railway tunnel"Marmaray" under the Bosphorus, connect these two continents. The first bridge across the Bosphorus, connecting the European and Asian parts of Istanbul, is the Bosphorus Bridge. The official opening of the bridge took place in 1973, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. The length of the bridge is 1560 meters, the width is 33, and the height of the roadway above the water is 64 meters. It is open to pedestrians only once a year - during the Istanbul Intercontinental Marathon. In 2016, the Bosphorus Bridge was renamed the 15th of July Martyrs Bridge in memory of those killed in the coup attempt.

The second bridge (Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge) was built on the site where the width of the strait is minimal (660 m). The official opening of the bridge took place in 1988, on the 535th anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul. The bridge is 1510 meters long, 39 meters wide, and the height of the roadway above the water, like the first bridge, is 64 meters. Don't forget to look at the two Bosphorus bridges at night. When dusk falls, they are illuminated by thousands of lamps, creating an even more romantic atmosphere.

The third bridge across the Bosphorus (Bridge of Sultan Selim the Terrible), the construction of which began in 2013, will cross the Bosphorus in its northern part, at the outlet to the Black Sea. The bridge will combine two railway lines and eight car lanes at one level. The bridge is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015.

The population density on both banks of the Bosporus is high. Its waters are constantly plowed by city transport ships (vapurs), pleasure boats, steamers with tourists, private yachts and large sea vessels. To see Istanbul from both sides of the strait, we advise you to definitely take a walk on a pleasure boat along the Bosphorus or think over a route on regular ships of public transport.

The Maiden's Tower is located on a small rocky island exactly where the Bosphorus joins the Sea of ​​Marmara. The Maiden's Tower is located closer to the Asian coast of Istanbul.

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Luxurious villas and amazingly beautiful palace complexes Ottoman sultans(Topkapi, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi) are almost at the very water, reflected in its smooth surface. Some of the once Ottoman palaces are now the most luxurious hotels on the Bosphorus. For example: Chyraghan Palace and Four Seasons at the Bosphorus Hotel

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In the narrowest place of the Bosporus, two fortresses stand one against the other: Anadolu Hisari and Rumeli Hisari.

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The Golden Horn Bay (Khalich) is located on the European shore of the strait, where the Bosphorus connects with the Sea of ​​Marmara. It was here, on the southern coast of the mouth of the Golden Horn in the 7th century BC. e. the city of Byzantium was founded, which later, in 330, by the decision of Constantine the Great, became the capital of the Roman Empire under the name New Rome, but even during the life of the emperor, the city began to be called the city of Constantine - Constantinople.

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The main attraction of the Golden Horn is considered to be the fishing boats near the Galata Bridge, where freshly caught fish is cooked on the grill right in front of you. One of these delicacies is fried red mullet with fresh bread. Yes, this is the famous “balyk-ekmek”, which is popular among Turks and guests of the country. You can also taste anchovy fried in a pan, and the smell of fish being prepared will take you back to ancient times, when more than a dozen ships moored here, and merchants offered a wide variety of goods brought to ancient Constantinople from all over the world.

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But a cargo ship recently crashed into this house:

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