15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge)
15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge) is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Istanbul audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~20 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type bridge
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- Istanbul Istanbul guide
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About 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge)
The first bridge ever to span the Bosphorus, a 1,560-metre suspension deck opened in 1973 that links Europe and Asia by road, now renamed for 2016's martyrs.
The 15 July Martyrs Bridge, long known as the Bosphorus Bridge, was the first bridge to span the strait and connect Europe and Asia by road. It opened on 30 October 1973, timed to the fiftieth anniversary of the Turkish Republic. A gravity-anchored steel suspension bridge, it has a total length of 1,560 metres and a main span of 1,074 metres, with towers rising 165 metres and a deck about 64 metres above the water.
It was designed by the British firm Freeman Fox & Partners and built by Turkey's Enka together with Cleveland Bridge of England and Hochtief of Germany. On 25 July 2016 it was officially renamed the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, following the failed coup attempt of 15 July that year. Around 180,000 vehicles cross daily; pedestrians and trucks are no longer permitted, though for its first three years people could walk across it.
Did you know? For its first three years, pedestrians could walk across the bridge, riding elevators inside the towers to reach the deck. Today no pedestrians or trucks are allowed, only motor vehicles cross.
How long should you spend at 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge)?
Plan about ~20 min at 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge). That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge) worth visiting?
15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge) is one of the 40 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Istanbul, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Istanbul
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Hear the story of 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge)
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