BOSPHORUS
European Side
of Bosphorus
Asian Side of
Bosphorus
Marvels of Bosphorus
Bosphorus, former river valley of geological times, runs between the Sea of
Marmara and the Black Sea. This famous strait which is 22 miles long is
considered one of the most important waterways of the world. Due to the change
at the level of Mediterranean Sea in the geological times, former river valleys
of Bosphorus and Dardanelles were covered by the water of Mediterranean Sea
creating these straits. The Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, former lakes of
geological times, became seas.
THE HISTORY OF BOSPHORUS
During the early centuries, Bosphorus witnessed the passage of many heroes,
mythological figures and warlike tribes and armies such as Persians, Crusaders
and various nations navigating in these waters. Seafaring Greeks who wanted
reach to the shores of Black Sea to establish trade colonies and new cities
passed through these waters. One of the well known figures was Jason who passed
through Bosphorus with his companions and his ship "Argo". Before they
reached to Black Sea, Argonauts had great problem with the clashing rocks. Argo
hardly passed through these rocks and sail into Black Sea and eventually to
Colcis where Jason got the Golden Fleece.
Another famous figure who passed through this area was Persian King Darius
who had a pontoon bridge built and let his armies cross the Bosphorus. Darius
chose the narrowest part of Bosphorus.
Bosphrous stayed un-inhabited during these early centuries. There were only
temples dedicated to sea gods who ensued a safe journey through these waters.
People navigating in these waters sacrified animals and offered things to
ancient gods. During the Byzantine Empire, a great number of Byzantine
monasteries were built on the banks of Bosphorus. These monasteries on the
isolated bays and hills of Bosphorus obtained a great fame. Although there were Byzantine palaces on the banks of the
Bosphorus. it was
Turkish people who loved the Bosphorus and its climate.
Yali
Yali, a Turkish word used for the shore, is also used for the summer
residences of wood situated on the banks of Bosphorus. Yalis which are
luxurious houses built for the high dignitaries of the Ottoman Empire have symmetrical
plan and two entrances on the land and sea sides. Main rooms usually
jut out from the front of the house and their bay windows open into the sea. The
yali consist of two sections: Selamlik, the part used by men and Harem, used by
women and children and female servants.
European Side
of Bosphorus
Asian Side of
Bosphorus
