Exploring the Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge, also known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, is one of the most important landmarks in Istanbul, Turkey. Its significance lies in connecting the city's Asian and European sections across the famous Bosphorus Strait. Read on to learn about the value of the Bosphorus Bridge, the suspension bridge in Turkey, in a bustling city that never sleeps.
Information and History
The Bosphorus Bridge, completed in 1973, is one of three suspension bridges spanning the Bosphorus Strait, linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Designed by British engineers Gilbert Roberts and William Brown, the bridge's construction began in 1970 with 35 engineers and 400 workers, following a decision made in the 1950s during Prime Minister Adnan Menderes's tenure. This was due to the urgent need for a bridge to connect the city's sides and relieve pressure on boats, which were the primary mode of transportation.
Technical Specifications
The Bosphorus Bridge is 1,560 meters long and 33.4 meters wide, with towers reaching about 165 meters high. Its deck features aerodynamic properties and is suspended by steel cables.
Usage and Significance
The Bosphorus Bridge is a vital architectural landmark and a symbol of unity between Asia and Europe. It handles over 200,000 vehicles daily but is closed to pedestrian traffic. The bridge is strategically and economically important to the city, lying approximately 7 km from Taksim Square, 10 km from the Blue Mosque, 40 km from Istanbul Airport, and 38 km from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Renaming the Bridge
In 2016, the bridge was renamed the 15 July Martyrs Bridge to honor the events of that date, which nearly caused significant turmoil in the country.
The Bosphorus Bridge remains a symbol of unity and stability, attracting tourists and visitors from around the world to witness this magnificent landmark.
Other Important Bridges in Istanbul
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The second main bridge connecting Europe and Asia, built to relieve pressure from the Bosphorus Bridge and facilitate traffic across the strait.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
The largest of the three bridges, designed for both cars and trains, part of modern infrastructure projects aimed at improving city traffic and transportation.