great and unique city of Istanbul, the capital of the Turkish state, is located directly on the junction of two continents.And between them - the famous Bosporus - the strait, which is one of the miracles not only Istanbul, but the whole of Turkey.This amazing place can be called the heart of the city.Tourists from all corners of the earth come here to admire the beauty of the city, take a walk on the outskirts of the strait, or sail on a boat on it.
Incidentally, the name of "Bosphorus" Strait received since ancient times.It translates as "cow-bridge".Not very sonorous name, but it is mentioned in the ancient Greek myths.According to legend, the lord of Olympus, Zeus fell in love with a mere mortal Io.But the jealous wife Hera thunder turned beauty into a cow and her cast a huge hornet and evil.Cow Io had no peace from that bastard, until I saw the Strait, which became her salvation.A strait was due to this incident is but the "mad cow" title.True or fiction - it is unknown, but we can only believe, because there is no evidence of this.
favorite place of many travelers who want to see the Bosphorus - Eastern Bridge.It was built by the great Persian king Darius more than 2,500 years ago.On this bridge for the first time passed the seven hundred thousandth army ruler.
Since ancient times, the Bosphorus played a crucial role in the development of trade and navigation.Its excellent location attracted the attention of the Ottoman Empire.The Ottomans have focused on this strait: they built beside him huge castles, fortresses, residences and villas.Undoubtedly, cover the entire Strait in one go it was impossible, so the troops were divided into several parts.First built on the banks of the fishing village, then had erected forts and palaces.All this contributed to the prosperity of the empire on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait.
If you look at the Bosphorus on the map, it will create the impression that the two continents almost converge.Some scholars have even called it the narrow strait in the world.The length of the Strait of up to 30 meters and a depth of 120 meters.
As mentioned above, the Bosphorus - the main commercial hub of the country.He is often called the "Golden Horn".Thanks to the strait and originated economic and trade sea routes between Turkey and neighboring countries.
Today Bosporus - the strait with international status.For him sailing ships in both directions.Travelers can often notice there wrecks and other interesting things.While walking through the strait can learn a great deal about it.For example, the Turks called the fast flow of the Strait "fucking over."He is very fast and dangerous rage begins with the arrival of spring, when the snow begins to melt in the Danube River Basin.Torrents rush along the coast, churning the water as during boiling.Bosphorus - a contradictory "creation".It flows simultaneously in two completely different directions: from the Black Sea to the Marmara and vice versa.
Despite many wars, witnessed by the Bosporus Strait still fascinates tourists.It is especially beautiful at sunset.At this point, the city around the Strait is changing beyond recognition.In the darkness, facing the courts at sunset can be seen as bright lights are lit on the hills.In the air, the voices of the muezzins, Vespers prayer.Hagia Sophia stands directly above the city like a ship's mast.This amazing Bosphorus - a real treasure stored in the heart of Istanbul!
