Boating on the Bosphorous

Of all the greatest rivers of the world, the Bosphorous must surely be one.  Its very name is synomymous with mystery and history.  Istanbul straddles east and west, as well as north and south of the strategic location at the mouth of the Bosphorous River leading to the Sea of Marmara.  It has long been access to Russia's only warm water port, and the last major port at the eastern end of the Medditerranean.

Many many moons ago, the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea were both lakes. The last global warming period caused the Black Sea to spill its banks and create the Bosphorus river, which itself spilled through to the Mediterranean.  So it really is a wonderful place for a boat ride, straddling continents and countries along the way.  We boarded near the Galata Bridge, which is full of fishermen on top and fish sandwich restaurants on the bottom.  


The New Mosque as we move towards the Galata Bridge



Galata Bridge

 Two monstrous cruise ships were just heading out:

The New Mosque as we move towards the Galata Bridge

We headed north along the European coast, passing by palaces and castles

the thoroughly opulent Dolmabache palace,
where Repulic leader Atatuuk died in 1938

I think I will take tea
in the west wing this afternoon!

the grandly named Fortress of Europe.  Mehmet II built it in 1493 at the narrowest point of the river in preparation for his conquest of Constantinople
this must rank as one of the longer projects
completed in preparation for someting else!

 On our way down the Asian coast we saw many grand homes that will soon be opened up for their usual habitation in summer:

The water had that dark blue hue that looks oily (but isn't) and the lace white spray tasted salt on our tongues

 

We all had goofy grins on our faces like children who are having the time of their lives. With the sun now edging downwards, I caught my breath as I saw the city's shape etched in gold. Is there any other place in the world with as good a silhouette as Istanbul?