Turkey is perhaps the only state that belongs to two parts of the world: European and Asian. These parts are separated by the Bosphorus. So that people can move freely and travel across different continents, so that water does not become an obstacle to friendship and reunification of peoples, it was decided to build a bridge across the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
First Bosphorus Bridge
This bridge was the first suspension structure built across the Bosphorus. This is where the name comes from. The bridge across the strait connects the Asian and European coasts. Just a few minutes, and a person without any extra effort gets from Europe to Asia and vice versa.
Even the ruler of Persia, Darius I, dreamed of building a bridge that would become a "connector" of two continents. Such a bridge played an important role in the imperial plans. In order to defeat the great Alexander the Great, it was necessary to transport the army of Persia across the strait. If there was a bridge, then the Scythians would be easier to defeat. Imperial dreams are the law for courtiers. In 480 BC, a bridge across the Bosphorus was built. True, pontoon.
Since then, more than one century has passed, and the idea of a stationary structure has not left the heads of the rulers. And at the very beginning of the 20th century, the Bosphorus Railway Company proposed to Sultan Abdul Hamid II to build a permanent bridge. However, only 50 years later, the final decision was made to bring the idea to life.
Who, when and how much
In 1950, the laying of the bridge was planned. The project was the brainchild of British engineers W. Brown and G. Roberts. However, like any great creation, a grandiose plan must wait for its finest hour. Only 20 years later, in 1970, construction work began.
In 1973, the fiftieth anniversary of the Republic of Turkey was celebrated. Just to this date, the opening of the structure was timed. To build a bridge across the Bosphorus, the state had to shell out $200 million, and it was named after the founder of the Ataturk Republic.
The bridge consists of three lanes for cars. It also has two lanes running in different directions, along which emergency vehicles move. To cross the bridge, you need to pay a certain amount. However, this does not prevent him from accepting about 200 thousand cars on his roads daily. There are also paths for pedestrians. However, the passage through them is prohibited, as these are favorite places for suicides.
The total length of the bridge across the Bosporus is 1510 meters, its width is 39 meters. Today, the structure ranks 17th among all suspension bridges in the world. It is at height 64meters above the water.
Second Bosphorus Bridge
There is also a second bridge across the Bosphorus in Istanbul. It bears the name of Sultan Mehmed Fatih. It became a branch connecting European Istanbul (Rumeli Hisar) and the Asian part of the former capital of Turkey (Andalu Hisar). The bridge was built from 1985 to 1988. In some characteristics, the second bridge is superior to the first. Much more money was spent on its creation, and its main span is several times longer. So, the length of the second structure is 1510 meters, width - 39 meters. It ranks twelfth in the world among the largest bridges. The height of its supports is 165 meters, while its predecessor boasts a figure of only 105 meters.
And the third one is coming soon
The Istanbul authorities decided to build a third bridge across the Bosphorus. In the ancient capital of the three powerful empires, work has already begun on this matter. The first persons of the state took part in the opening of the project. Its cost will cost Turkey $3.3 billion. However, it's worth it, because the design is designed to unload the existing highway.
The new building will bear the name of Yavuz Sultan Selim. The monarch ruled the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. This bridge is in many ways superior to its older "brothers". It will house eight lanes for cars and two for rail transport. Its width will be 59 meters, height - 320 meters, and the length of the main span - 1408 meters. All these are the parameters of the future masterpiece of architecture. Builders andthe government plans to complete all work by 2015.
Views of the bridge
If you just look at the first bridge across the Bosphorus, you will see nothing but metal and concrete. To appreciate the beauty of sculpture, you need to know exactly where it is best to view it. If you walk during the day, then beautiful views of the bridge open from the ship plying the strait. From afar, it can be seen as if in the palm of your hand, and it resembles a thin thread. There is a belief that if you make a wish while swimming under a bridge, you can be sure that it will certainly come true.
However, the Atatürk Bridge is truly beautiful at night or in the evening. Sit down with a glass of red wine at one of the restaurants on the banks of the Bosphorus and enjoy the magnificent scenery. When it is dark, the bridge begins to glow with multi-colored iridescent lights. The spectacle is worth at least one night dedicated to it.
