- Situated between the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south.
- It forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia.
- Connects the Black Sea to the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
- Located in Turkey, specifically within the city of Istanbul.
Characteristics:
- Narrow strait measuring approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) long and 3.7 km (2.3 miles) at its narrowest point.
- The strait's depth ranges from 20 to 124 meters (65 to 407 feet).
- Strong currents: Carries water from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and the Mediterranean due to the difference in salinity levels.
- Has significant geopolitical importance:
-Historically, it has served as a strategic waterway, connecting Europe and Asia.
-Turkey controls the passage of vessels through the strait under the Montreux Convention (1936), which regulates maritime traffic.
Economic and Transport Significance:
- The Bosphorus Strait is a major international shipping route for trade and transportation between countries bordering the Black Sea and Mediterranean.
- Ferries and passenger ships regularly traverse the strait, carrying commuters and tourists between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
- The Bosphorus Bridge and two additional suspension bridges known as the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge span the strait, connecting the continents and facilitating transportation.
Historical Significance:
- Throughout history, the Bosphorus Strait has played a crucial role in military conflicts, wars, and territorial disputes due to its strategic location.
- The Ottoman Empire held control over the strait for several centuries, making it a significant stronghold in the region.
- The control over the strait has been an important geopolitical issue, involving disputes among various nations and empires throughout history, with Russia and Turkey being key players in the region.
Environmental and Ecological Factors:
- The Bosphorus Strait experiences strong currents, which influence the mixing of water from the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
- The salinity levels in the Black Sea are lower compared to the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in a unique ecosystem and the movement of nutrients and marine species between the two bodies of water.
- The strait supports diverse marine life, including fish species and migratory birds, making it an important ecological zone.