Bosphorus Strait from "summary" of Constantinople by Philip Mansel
The Bosphorus Strait is the defining feature of Constantinople. It is a narrow waterway that separates Europe and Asia, linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus has played a crucial role in the city's history, serving as a natural barrier and strategic gateway between the East and the West. From ancient times, the Bosphorus has been a vital trade route, connecting the Mediterranean world with the lands of the Caucasus and beyond. Its strategic importance led to the construction of fortifications along its shores, which were constantly contested by rival empires seeking to control the passage. The Bosphorus is not just a physical barrier, but a cultural and symbolic divide as well. It marks the boundary between Europe and Asia, Christianity and...
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