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Overview of Bosphorus Bridge
History of Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge History dates back to 1973, when the bridge was built to stretch across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. Also referred to as the First Bridge, the Bosphorus bridge Istanbul is a steel suspension bridge which is anchored by gravity, and measures 1560 metres in length and 33.5 metres in width. Upon the completion of its construction, the main expanse of the bridge was 1074 metres, with its deck standing 64 metres above the water.
According to history, it was in 1900 when the Bosphorus Railroad Company proposed that a permanent road and rail bridge should be built above the strait, but it wasn’t until 1957 that the project was finally given the green flag. The contract for the same was signed in 1968, with the bridge then being designed by British civil engineers William Brown and Sir Gilbert Roberts. The construction of the Bosphorus bridge was finally completed in October 1973.
Places To Visit Around Bosphorus Bridge
One of the best places to visit around Bosphorus Bridge is the Blue Mosque, the minarets of which can be seen from the bridge. Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it is one of the most religiously important sites in the country, and one of the only two mosques in Turkey which has 6 minarets in its premises.
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Another popular attraction located near Bosphorus Bridge is Hagia Sophia, a church turned mosque that you can see from the bridge as well as during the cruises here. This former Greek Orthodox church was transformed into a mosque during the reign of the Ottoman empire, and serves as a museum today.
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The Ortaköy Mosque is one of the most beautiful structures that can be seen from the Bosphorus Bridge. Located on its European side, the Ortaköy Mosque dates back to the 18th century, when it served as the grand imperial mosque for the Ottoman sultan.
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Bosphorus Bridge Facts
- The Bosphorus Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the whole world, especially due to its expansive and huge structure, which is anchored by gravity
- Walking the bridge and crossing it on foot is strictly prohibited
- A staggering 180,000 vehicles pass the Bosphorus bridge every day
- When it is fully loaded with vehicles, the Bosphorus Bridge sags about 90 centimetres right in its centre
- The total cost of the Bosphorus bridge, as of today, is around US$300 million
- In 2013, during a game, Tiger Woods’ golf ball fell on the European side of the bridge from its Asian side
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Know Before You Go to Bosphorus Bridge
The Best time to visit Bosphorus bridge is after sundown, at night, when the entire structure gets illuminated with hundreds of LED lights. In addition to being a sight for sore eyes, the bridge also becomes one of the best places to click photographs in Istanbul at night. You can also enjoy a cruise and marvel at the lit-up bridge as you pass under it.
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To get to the Ortaköy side of the Bosphorus bridge from Sultanahmet:
- You can avail a ride on the T1 tram to Kabatas, from where you can take a connecting bus to Ortaköy
- You can also take the ferry from Eminönü to Ortaköy and reach the bridge easily
To get to the Asian side of the Bosphorus Bridge: You can take the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar, from where you can reach the Beylerbeyi Palace by a palace bound bus, which is located a short walking distance away from the Asian side of the Bosphorus Bridge
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The best way to visit the Bosphorus Bridge is by taking the Bosphorus Cruise. This cruise typically begins from the Golden Horn, and passes under the bridge, thereby offering scintillating views of it from different angles. You can also take the night cruise, to catch sights of the Bosphorus Bridge illuminated with LED lights.
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FAQs for Bosphorus Cruise
Why is Bosphorus Bridge famous?
The Bosphorus bridge is famous for being the longest suspension bridge in Europe until 1981. It was also the longest suspension bridge in Asia until 1968. Also known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the Bosphorus Bridge is one of the three suspension bridges built over the Bosphorus Strait, and connects the continents of Asia and Europe.
When was the Bosphorus bridge built?
The Bosphorus Bridge was built on February 20th, 1970.
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Why was the Bosphorus Bridge built?
The Bosphorus bridge Istanbul was built to cover the area between the two ancient landmasses of the Asian as well as the European sides of Istanbul, and covers the Bosphorus Strait.
How long is the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul?
The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul is 1560 metres in length, while the pillars that support the suspension cables of the bridge are 64 metres in height, as measured from the surface of the water.
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What is the best way to enjoy the Bosphorus bridge?
The best way to enjoy the Bosphorus bridge is by enjoying a cruise, when you get to view the bridge from different angles, and also pass under it. You can also see the bridge at night, when it is completely lit up with numerous LED lights.
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