The Bosphorus Strait divides the city of İstanbul in half, with one half of the city in Asia and the other in Europe. The strait, which in some places is only 500 metres apart, has become a popular trading centre and tourist attraction owing to its dream-like awe. The attraction of hopping on a local ferry at the harbour and reaching another continent in a few minutes never seems to wear off. The region is home to a multitude of exceptional sights and architectural masterpieces that you are simply and effortlessly drawn to, such as the distinctive Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Galata Tower that line this narrow waterway of Haliç that connects seamlessly to the Bosphorus.
There is also Maiden Tower, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Rumeli Fortress, the Dolmabahçe Palace, Küçüksu Pavilion, the Çırağan Palace, Big Camlica Mosque, the Beylerbeyi Mosque and of course the incomparable Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Grand Mosque), which offers one of the most famous views in history.
The Ottoman-era mansions also known as Yalıs along the banks of the Bosphorus are considered prime examples of the architecture of the period. Some 360 villas and mansions on both sides of the Bosphorus have survived from the past to the present and are symbols of history and visions of tranquillity.
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Mythological History
The name of Bosporos, which means ox or cow crossing, is based on the fact that Zeus, in Greek mythology, was in love with a girl named Io. According to the story, Io was the daughter of Inahos, the god of rivers. When Zeus, the king of the gods, saw this beautiful girl, he fell in love with him and secretly began to sleep with her husband Hera. One day, as she is about to catch Hera, she turns herself into a cloud and Io turns into a cow. Hera, who is not deceived, asks the cow as a gift from her husband. In order to keep him away from Zeus, he leaves him under the supervision of a monster named Argos Panoptis. However, Zeus sends Hermes to Argos. Hera then haunts him with a fly to disturb Io who has become a cow. When Io comes to the throat with the power to get rid of the fly, he leaves himself to the waters of the throat and swims through this obstacle.
Below are our group and private bosphorus tours or art activities that may interest you.
