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June 20, 2013

Thursday’s Child: Bosphorus Bridge, Turkey

Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge

Having the chance to visit more than one continent has been pretty great.  But having the chance to visit more than one continent in one morning was one of the coolest travel experiences we’ve had. With Istanbul being part of both Europe and Asia, we were able to do just that simply by driving across a bridge.

The Bosphorus Bridge
On our final day in Istanbul, we had a guide and driver so we could see the outskirts of the city.  After visiting the stunning Chora Museum, we went for a drive along the Bosphorus Strait and Sea of Marmara, both of which are part of the route that connects the Mediterranean and Black Seas. 

Fishing boats by the Bosphorus

We started in European Ortakoy, home of the stunning Ortakoy Mosque.  As we crossed the Bosphorus Bridge over the strait, we arrived in the Asian district of Beylerbeyi and enjoyed a beautiful view back across to Europe. 

According to Greek legend, when Jason was searching for the Golden Fleece, he was nearly killed by the mythical Clapping Rocks that guarded the Bosphorus and prevented sailors from making their way through the straits.  On the advice of a prophet, he made it through safely and thus was able to retrieve the fleece and bring it home.  I’m pleased to say that in the twenty-first century, it’s much safer travelling those waters.

A view of Europe, from Asia

The great Turkish writer, Orhan Pamuk, has written about the national emotion of huzun and describes it as being a kind of collective melancholy that is almost spiritual in nature.  He speaks “of the old Bosphorus ferries moored to deserted stations in the middle of winter, … of the children who play ball between the cars on cobblestoned streets; of the covered women who stand at remote bus stops clutching plastic shopping bags and speak to no one as they wait for the bus that never arrives”.

– from Istanbul: Memories and a City, Orhan Pamuk

Filed Under: Turkey

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Valerie says

    June 21, 2013 at 12:13 am

    The quote by Orhan Pamuk contains beautiful imagery – my mind can paint a picture of what he's describing. Love the photos too, especially the last one!

    Reply
  2. bakewithjill.com says

    June 21, 2013 at 2:16 am

    Sounds like a fabulous final day in the city!

    Reply
  3. Paula Montenegro says

    June 21, 2013 at 11:30 am

    The Bosphorus has some sort of romantic idea in my mind, though Iยดve never been there. Thanks for the virtual journey through Turkey Beth!

    Reply
  4. Kathy says

    June 21, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    I love taking virtual tours of all the lovely places you have visited. Turkey seems like such an amazing place. So sad they are having so many problems. Gorgeous photos! Have a great weekend, Beth!

    Reply
  5. Guru Uru says

    June 21, 2013 at 11:23 pm

    This city never stops in its amazing cultural beauties ๐Ÿ˜€

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
  6. grace says

    June 22, 2013 at 7:04 am

    this place has such a unique and interesting look to it! i'm usually not drawn to any type of water (no, not even lakes)(and especially not swimming pools), but there's something about the seas here that appeals.

    Reply
  7. Patty Price says

    June 22, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    Very Cool! I like the view of Europe from Asia! I'm glad travel is safer today in many respects ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks for the tour of a very interesting part of the world ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  8. Angie Schneider says

    June 22, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    You have been EVERYWHERE! When are you going to write your own tour guide, Beth?

    Reply
  9. Beth says

    June 22, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    That's so nice of you to say, Angie. I don't know if I'll ever publish a book about travel, but I'm hoping this can be a permanent family record of the places we've visited.

    Reply
  10. Amy says

    June 22, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    Two continent in a day? Lucky you. ๐Ÿ™‚ I would love to travel there someday. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous pictures.

    Reply
  11. yummychunklet says

    June 23, 2013 at 2:57 am

    Wow. Impressive!

    Reply
  12. Needful Things says

    June 23, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    Love the quote by Orhan Pamuk. Being able to step into two continents on the same day is a pretty special feeling: I love that split in Istanbul between the old and new; Europe and Asia.

    Reply
  13. Laura Dembowski says

    September 1, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    The bridge and water are simply stunning. There are so many beautiful places in the world.

    Reply

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Welcome to Of Muses and Meringues. Thanks for stopping by! I am Beth! Writer, traveller, baker, mother.
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