Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is a narrow, natural strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, dividing the city of Istanbul between Europe and Asia. It serves as a vital waterway for international shipping, naval navigation, and local transportation. The strait is approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) long and features iconic bridges and ferries that facilitate movement across continents. Its strategic and economic significance has historically made it a key conduit for trade, cultural exchange, and geopolitical interests between Europe and Asia.