Architecture · Updated May 2026
Bosphorus Bridges Guide — All 3 Suspension Bridges
Three suspension bridges connect Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus strait — each from a different era, each with its own architectural personality, each illuminated at night in its own way. Together they are the most photographed engineering structures in Turkey, and the photographic highlight of any evening cruise on the strait. This guide walks through all three, with their history, technical details, illumination story, and the best places to see (and photograph) them from land and water.
In this guide
Bridge 1 · 1973 15 July Martyrs Bridge
The original Bosphorus Bridge — and still the most iconic. Connecting Ortaköy on the European side to Beylerbeyi on the Asian side. Until 2016 it was simply called Boğaziçi Köprüsü (Bosphorus Bridge); it was renamed in 2016 to commemorate those who died during the July 15th events.
Specifications
- Length: 1,560 m (total), 1,074 m main span
- Tower height: 165 m above sea level
- Construction: 1970-1973 (3 years)
- Designer: Freeman Fox & Partners (UK)
- Daily traffic: ~200,000 vehicles
Architectural significance
When it opened in 1973, this was the longest suspension bridge in Europe and the fourth longest in the world. It was built using a similar design principle to the Severn Bridge in the UK. The two main towers are made of steel and the deck is suspended from steel ropes — a classic 1970s engineering aesthetic.
Lighting at night
Programmable LED system installed in 2007. Default cycle alternates white, blue and amber. Special occasions: red for Republic Day (29 October), pink for breast cancer awareness (October), and the Turkish flag colors on national holidays. The lighting effect is genuinely spectacular when you pass underneath by boat — colors reflect off the water, towers glow against the night sky.
Bridge 2 · 1988 Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The second bridge, located 5 km north of the first. Named after Sultan Mehmed II (the Conqueror), who took Constantinople in 1453. Connects Hisarüstü (European side) to Kavacık (Asian side). Slightly longer and significantly wider than the original.
Specifications
- Length: 1,510 m main span (longer than the first)
- Tower height: 165 m
- Construction: 1986-1988 (2 years)
- Designer: Japan-Italy-Turkey consortium
- Daily traffic: ~200,000+ vehicles
Architectural significance
When opened in 1988, this was the fifth-longest suspension bridge in the world. The deck is wider (39 m vs 33 m on the first bridge) to handle the increased Asian-European commuter traffic, with eight lanes plus two pedestrian walkways (now closed to public). The view from below as you pass under is genuinely awe-inspiring — the sheer scale becomes obvious only from water level.
Lighting at night
Same LED programmable system as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. Both bridges synchronize their lighting on national days, creating a coordinated spectacle visible the length of the Bosphorus.
Bridge 3 · 2016 Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
The newest and most northern crossing — built specifically to relieve the heavy commuter traffic on the older two bridges. Located far north of the city center near the Black Sea entrance to the Bosphorus. Named after Sultan Selim I (Yavuz Selim), the 16th-century Ottoman ruler.
Specifications
- Length: 1,408 m main span, 2,164 m total
- Tower height: 322 m — among the tallest bridge towers in the world
- Width: 59 m — currently the widest suspension bridge in the world
- Construction: 2013-2016
- Carries: 8 road lanes + 2 high-speed rail tracks
- Designer: T-engineering / Hyundai E&C
Architectural significance
Holds two world records at the time of opening: the world's widest suspension bridge, and the longest suspension bridge with a rail system. The towers are massive — at 322 m, taller than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge is part of the Northern Marmara Motorway, designed for transit and freight more than tourist sightseeing.
Why most cruises do not pass under it
The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is approximately 30 km north of Kabataş. To pass under it would require a 4-hour round trip beyond standard cruise routes. Our 3-hour evening dinner cruise focuses on the more iconic 15 July Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges, which are also more spectacularly lit at night.
Best Viewing Spots from Land
If you cannot get on the water, these are the best land-based viewpoints:
- Ortaköy Mosque square — perfect frame of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge with the small Ortaköy Mosque in the foreground. Most iconic Istanbul shot.
- Çamlıca Hill — Asian side, highest point. Both the 15 July and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges visible at once.
- Üsküdar coastline — view of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge from the Asian shore. Especially nice at sunset.
- Bebek seaside path — close-up view of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
- Rumeli Hisarı fortress — historic Ottoman fort directly under the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Climb the walls for the bridge towering above you.
From the Water (Dinner Cruise)
The most spectacular way to experience the bridges is from below — passing directly underneath as you sail. The towers loom above, the lights reflect off the water, and the scale is genuinely awe-inspiring in a way photographs do not capture.
Our 3-hour evening dinner cruise route is timed so that you pass under both the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. The first bridge crossing happens around 22:00 (after dinner is served, just as guests move to the upper deck for the show), and the return crossing back around 23:30. Both happen at peak illumination — the lights are on, the sky has deep color, and the photographs you take are once-in-a-trip.
Insider tip — when to be on the upper deck
Move to the open upper deck around 21:50 with your phone or camera ready. The first bridge passage happens shortly after, in approximately 60 seconds total. Best framing: stand at the railing facing the bridge as you approach; the towers will rise above you.
Photographer's Tips
- Best time: Blue hour, 30-45 minutes after sunset. The bridges' LED lights are on, the sky still has deep cobalt color.
- From land: Tripod recommended. Wide angle (24-35mm) for the bridge with surroundings; telephoto (70-200mm) to compress and isolate the bridge against the city.
- From water (cruise): Image stabilization helps. Higher ISO (3200-6400) for night handheld. Wide angle (24-28mm) when passing underneath, telephoto for approaching shots.
- Avoid: Mid-day. The bridges look flat and grey in harsh sunlight. Always shoot in golden hour, blue hour or full night for best results.
See the Bridges From Below
3-hour Bosphorus dinner cruise passes under the 15 July Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges, both fully illuminated at night. From €24.30, pay on the boat.
Book Bosphorus Cruise →FAQ
How many bridges cross the Bosphorus?
Three suspension bridges: 15 July Martyrs Bridge (1973), Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (1988), and Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (2016). Two underwater crossings also exist — the Marmaray rail tunnel and the Eurasia road tunnel.
Can you walk across the Bosphorus bridges?
Pedestrian access is restricted on all three bridges for safety reasons. The exception is the Vodafone Istanbul Marathon every November, when the 15 July Martyrs Bridge briefly opens to runners.
Why do the bridges change colors at night?
All three bridges have programmable LED lighting installed since 2007. Colors change for special occasions — red for Republic Day, pink for breast cancer awareness, the Turkish flag colors on national holidays.
Which bridge has the best view from below?
The 15 July Martyrs Bridge is the most iconic to pass under — its location near Ortaköy means you also get the Ortaköy Mosque in the same frame. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is impressive for its size. Our cruise passes both.