Istanbul: A Day on the Bosphorus
Istanbul is uniquely situated in the Bosphorus Strait, with the Sea of Marmarma to the south and the Black Sea to the north. So naturally, there is an unspoken rule that you have to enjoy the water while visiting Istanbul. My friends and I spent our first full day in the city on a ferry ride to the Black Sea. We used the city ferry line for our tour (Istanbul Şehir Hatları). The ferry made stops on multiple places along the Asian and European sides of the city, which made sight-seeing all the more fun.
Admittedly, I felt a bit sick on the way up the Strait, so I left most of the sight-seeing to my fellow travelers! After a couple hours on the water, we got off at Anadolu Kavağı, an ancient fishing village. The area used to serve as a Roman and Byzantine outpost and remains significant today as a military base. During our time in Anadolu Kavağı, we hiked a steep road up to Yoros Castle, inhabited first by Phoenicians and Greeks. According to historical data, the castle was a point of contention among many empires, including the Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman communities. Having been refortified numerous times, much of the Yoros Castle ruins have been preserved throughout its roughly 800 years in use.
Though my calf muscles almost gave up midway through the trek, the castle and the outlook from it was absolutely worth it. The panoramic view of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea was surreal and full of the deepest shades of blue. Having one foot in Europe and one in Asia was a pretty amazing feeling! By the time we got back on the boat, we were sufficiently worn out. I may or may not have conked out on the way back to the dock. All in all, it was the perfect day to sightsee around the sea with so many other excited visitors. I cannot recommend a day trip on the Bosphorus enough!
To our friends in the West, keep looking East!
Becca Conner
Becca spent her childhood between Virginia and California, before settling down in Huntsville, Alabama. She attends school in Louisville, Kentucky, where she is pursuing a degree in Global Studies. Becca loves learning about different cultures, and spending time with people from all different backgrounds. She can frequently be found watching Gilmore Girls, eating granola bars or apples and peanut butter, or on a hike with her little brother/best friend, Charlie. She is obsessed with musical theater, particularly Newsies, and has been known to burst into song at completely random times. Becca is as adaptable as they come, spending four months living in Guatemala before she was even 18. She is always down for a new adventure, whether it involves exploring a new place or meeting new people.