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.

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.

Related: A beautiful view of Bosphorus
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- The point where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea - November 11, 2023