A view of Bosphorus and Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in the distance (also known as the 3rd bridge). I took this photo on May 27, 2021, from Rumeli Kavağı on the European side.
I took this photo on May 27, 2021, from Rumeli Kavağı on the European side of Istanbul, I think it captures the natural beauty of the Bosphorus. You can see the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, also known as the 3rd Bridge, gracefully spanning the strait in the distance. It was named after the Ottoman Sultan Selim I and completed in 2016, it is the 3rd connection between Europe and Asia, after the Boğaziçi and Fatih bridges.
In the foreground, the bustling activity of the Bosphorus is evident with ships making their way toward the Black Sea. This strait has been a critical maritime route for centuries, witnessing countless vessels traversing its waters, each carrying stories of commerce, culture, and exploration. The sight of these modern ships against the historical backdrop of the Bosphorus creates a vivid tapestry of Istanbul’s rich maritime heritage and its role as a global crossroads.
You can also see the Yoros Castle, perched atop a hill on the Asian side of the strait (the other side). The castle, with its origins dating back to the Byzantine period, overlooks the Bosphorus and once served as a strategic point to control naval traffic. Although in ruins, it continues to stand as a testament to the region’s tumultuous and layered history. Just beneath it, the vibrant Turkish flag flutters, adding a burst of color and a sense of pride to the landscape.
A Photo from (Almost) the Same Location, Taken in 1870
While exploring an old archive of historical photographs of Istanbul, I stumbled upon a captivating image taken in 1870 by the renowned photographer Pascal Sébah. Titled “Entrance to the Black Sea,” this photograph offers a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus from Anadolu Kavağı, a picturesque village on the Asian side of Istanbul. The image captures a serene and timeless moment, with sailing ships dotting the water and untouched natural landscapes framing the scene. It provides a fascinating glimpse into a world that existed 151 years ago, long before modern bridges and bustling cityscapes reshaped the Bosphorus.
Pascal Sébah: The Photographer Behind the Historic Bosphorus Photo
Pascal Sébah (1823-1886) was a prominent Ottoman photographer known for his stunning images of Anatolia, Egypt, and Greece. Born in Istanbul to a Syrian father and an Armenian mother, he began his career collaborating with French photographer Henri Bechard before opening his own studio, El Chark (“The Orient”), in 1857 on Istanbul’s Grande Rue de Pera, catering to tourists. His photographs, particularly those documenting local costumes and landscapes, gained international acclaim, earning medals at exhibitions like the Universal Exhibition in Vienna in 1873.
Sébah’s work capitalized on the growing tourist demand for photographic souvenirs in the late 19th century, especially from travelers visiting Egypt. He opened a second studio in Cairo in 1873 and collaborated with Turkish painter and archaeologist Osman Hamdi Bey, providing photographs for Les Costumes Populaires de la Turquie en 1873 (The Popular Costumes of Turkey in 1873), a celebrated work on traditional Ottoman attire.
After Sébah’s death in 1886, his studio continued under his brother, Cosmi, and later as Sébah & Joaillier when Polycarpe Joaillier joined in 1888. Pascal’s son, Jean Pascal Sébah, eventually took over, maintaining the studio’s reputation as a leader in Orientalist photography. The studio became a Photographer by Appointment to the Prussian Court in 1889 and operated until 1973.
Pascal Sébah was buried in Istanbul’s Feriköy Latin Catholic Cemetery, alongside his son. His legacy endures as a pioneer of Ottoman photography, blending artistry and historical documentation.
Related: A beautiful view of Bosphorus
Sources
- Pascal Sébah on Wikipedia
