The Iconic Bridges Of Istanbul

When a city is separated by a strait, there’s bound to be a few bridges that connect the two sides and draw in the eye. In Istanbul, the Asian and European sides, as well as Fatih, are connected to one another through bridges that have become iconic visual representations of the city. These magnificent bridges also serve as symbols of unity and harmony between diverse cultures and eras. Culture Trip brings you the top bridges in Istanbul.

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Bosphorus Bridge

Renamed the ‘15 July Martyrs Bridge’ this year to honor the civilian victims who resisted the attempted coup, this gravity-anchored steel suspension bridge was built between 1970 and 1973. Today around 180,000 vehicles pass daily in both directions.

Also known as the ‘Second Bosphorus Bridge’, the FSM Bridge was completed in 1988 and is named after Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror who conquered Constantinople in 1453. The steel suspension bridge runs from Kavacık on the Asian side to Hisarüstü on the European side.

The Galata Bridge

Spanning the Golden Horn, the Galata Bridge has been featured many times in Turkish literature and theater and was originally built in the 19th century. The rows of fisherman on each side of this steel bascule bridge have also become iconic image of Istanbul, as well as the balık ekmek (fish sandwich) restaurants that line the lower half.

Golden Horn Metro Bridge

Golden Horne Metro Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey

One of the city’s newer constructions, the Golden Horn Metro Bridge was constructed in 2014 and connects the Beyoğlu and Fatih districts via the M2 line. The steel cable-stayed bridge caused some controversy during its construction for disturbing the skyline of the city’s historical area.

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge

The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is located near the Black Sea entrance of the Bosphorus and connects Garipçe on the European side and Poyrazköy on the Asian side. The hybrid cable-stayed suspension bridge is sadly seen as a harbinger for an urbanization boom, which threatens the green areas and wetlands nearby that produce most of the city’s drinking water.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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