A nostalgic photo of Istanbul, likely from the 1980s, shows the Ülev passenger ferry departing from the Karaköy pier. The image evokes a sense of the city’s rich maritime history, with the ferry gliding through the waters of the Bosphorus, carrying passengers between the European and Asian sides of the city. The scene reflects the everyday life of Istanbul during that era, where the iconic vapur played a central role in the city’s transportation and cultural fabric.
The Turkish word “vapur” refers to a type of ferry or passenger boat that is commonly used in Turkey, especially in cities like Istanbul, to transport people across bodies of water. These ferries are an integral part of public transportation, particularly in Istanbul, where they connect the European and Asian sides of the city across the Bosphorus Strait.
The “vapur” is typically a large, multi-deck boat that can carry hundreds of passengers, and in some cases, vehicles as well. It has a nostalgic and cultural significance in Turkey, often associated with leisurely trips on the water, enjoying views of the city, and the traditional practice of feeding seagulls while onboard. Unlike typical ferries in other parts of the world, “vapur” in Turkey has a unique place in daily life and culture.
Ülev’s History
The Ülev passenger ferry (Turkish: Ülev Yolcu Vapuru) was built in 1938 by Atlas Werke A.G. in Bremen, Germany. Founded in 1911, Atlas Werke was a German shipbuilding company, located in Bremen.
The term “ülev,” in Turkish, has several meanings primarily related to law, justice, and entitlement. It can refer to a legal right, fairness, or the notion of what is just or deserved. In a legal context, “ülev” can denote something that is due to someone by right, often tied to the concepts of justice, truth, or equity in a dispute or claim. It may also refer to a share or entitlement, such as earnings or wages that are due in exchange for labor. Additionally, it carries the sense of moral authority or the legitimacy that arises from one’s efforts or contributions. The term encapsulates various aspects of fairness, legal entitlement, and rightful compensation.
The Ülev ferry was 62.34 meters (204.48 feet) long, 3.41 meters (11.19 feet) wide, and had a draft of 3.41 meters (11.19 feet). The coal-powered ferry had a gross tonnage of 637 and a net tonnage of 277. The engine had 2,850 horsepower. Its maximum speed was 14 knots.
In 1964, it underwent a general overhaul; the wheelhouse was redesigned, and the shape of the funnel was changed. The engine was also converted from coal to diesel. After being converted to diesel, its fuel capacity was 73 tons. It consumed approximately 18 tons of fuel per day.
Ülev’s passenger capacity was 1,626 in the summer and 1,394 in the winter.
After serving the people of Istanbul for 52 years, Ülev was retired in 1990. Its weary body was towed to Pavli Island in Pendik. Its final journey was made to Aliağa on the Aegean coast in 1992, accompanied by a tugboat, and this journey was completed on September 5, 1992. It was then dismantled and became a part of lost history, now living on only in rare photographs like the one above.
In Turkey, ship and ferry dismantling operations in the Aegean Sea are carried out in the district of Aliağa, İzmir. Aliağa hosts Turkey’s largest shipbreaking facilities, where many ships are dismantled and recycled. Aliağa is recognized both in Turkey and worldwide for its activities in this field.
Sources
- Atlas Werke on Wikipedia
- S/S Ülev Passenger Ferry on the Maritime Trade Newspaper website (in Turkish)
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