On October 30, 1973, the Bosphorus Bridge was completed in Istanbul, Turkey. It was the first road bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Spanning the Bosphorus Strait, the bridge became a critical link between the two continents and a symbol of Istanbul’s strategic importance. Today, the Bosphorus Bridge is not just a symbol but a lifeline in the city’s infrastructure, carrying thousands of vehicles daily and significantly reducing travel time between the European and Asian sides of the city.

Fun Facts:

• The Bosphorus Bridge, also known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, spans the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. It was the first bridge to link the two continents by road.
• When it was completed, the 1,560-meter (5,118-foot) bridge was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world.
• Construction of the Bosphorus Bridge began in 1970 and was completed in just three years. It opened on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey.
• British engineers Gilbert Roberts and William Brown designed the bridge with assistance from Turkish engineers. German and British companies constructed it.
• The Bosphorus Bridge, with its towering clearance of 64 meters (210 feet) above the water, serves as a gateway for large ships to pass through the strait. This clearance is a crucial factor in the bridge’s role as a vital waterway for global maritime traffic, underlining its global significance.
• Initially, only vehicles were allowed on the bridge, but it was later opened to pedestrians during special events and celebrations.
• Today, the Bosphorus Bridge is one of three suspension bridges connecting Europe and Asia in Istanbul. It remains a crucial part of the city’s transportation network, carrying over 200,000 vehicles daily.