The Bosphorus Strait

 

The “Fortress of Europe” guarding the European side of the Bosphorus Strait north of Istanbul. Known more formally as Rumeli Fortress, which translates into “throat-cutter” (referring to the narrow strategic waterway, not cutting people’s throats).  Built by the Ottomans in 1451, it was instrumental in maintaining their control of the strait, the only access point to the Black Sea. 




Dozens of fishermen line the banks, a popular pastime among older men


View overlooking the water from the quaint town of Bebek, supposedly the wealthiest suburb of Istanbul. I ate lunch at a restaurant called Chilai. It’s glassed in dining area can be seen in the upper right side of this photo

Egyptian consulate, formerly the 19th century summer home of the Egyptian khedive (royal ruler, deposed by Britain in 1914). 




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