Boszporusz

The Bosporus, also known as the Istanbul Strait, is a natural strait and a very important international waterway of Eurasia. It forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia. The Bosporus is the world's southernmost point of the European continent. It is approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) long, and 700 meters (2,300 ft) wide at its narrowest point. The maximum depth of the strait varies between 36 and 124 meters (118 and 407 ft). It connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, which then leads through the Dardanelles strait to the Aegean Sea.

The Bosporus has been a vital trade route for centuries, connecting the Black Sea region with the Mediterranean world. Its strategic location has made it a point of contention and control for various empires throughout history, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Today, it remains a crucial passage for international shipping, particularly for oil and grain exports from the Black Sea.

Two suspension bridges, the Bosphorus Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, span the strait, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The strait also experiences strong currents, making navigation challenging at times. Its shores are densely populated, with the city of Istanbul sprawling across both continents, making the Bosporus an integral part of the urban landscape and daily life. The unique geographical position and historical significance of the Bosporus continue to shape its importance in global trade, geopolitics, and culture.