Tag Archives: Istanbul

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Most people think of the Bosporus as the strait that links the Mediterranean and Black Seas. This is only partially correct, for there are actually two straits through which one must travel to make this journey. The other is the Dardenelles. Together these two bodies of water are known as the Turkish Straits.

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

The Bosporus is the eastern strait, and it runs in a north/south direction. The Dardenelles travels in an east/west orientation. The straits are connected by the Sea of Marmara.

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Istanbul straddles the Bosporus.

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

The Dardenelles is not nearly as populated, but it has a history all its own. That’s especially true if you’re from Australia or New Zealand, or if you had anyone who served in ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) during the First World War. It was here that Allied French, British, and ANZAC forces suffered a horrendous defeat and huge casualties during the eleven-month Galipoli Campaign. Several of our fellow passengers from Australia and New Zealand made a pilgrimage to this hallowed ground during our two-day stay in Istanbul several days before. Unfortunately, by the time we were abeam the hillside Dur Yolcu Memorial overlooking Kilitbahir on the Galipoli Peninsula, it was late in the evening and the sun was below the horizon:

Dardenelles Dur Yolcu Memorial

Now for today’s gallery and slide show:

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles

Turkish Straits — Bosporus and Dardenelles