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Most viewed - Bosphorus Cruise, 3/31/2006
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The Squeeze670 viewsSome yali are built so close together that there's literally no daylight between them.
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Mehmed the Conqueror Bridge668 viewsNamed after the conqueror of Constantinople. Completed in 1988. Spans the Bosphorus from near the Rumelihisari on the European side (left) to the Asian side, at right.
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Firuz Ağa Mosque660 viewsBuilt around 1491 by Firuz Ağa, chief treasurer of Sultan Bayezid II. Located very close to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
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Another view of the Ortaköy Mosque660 viewsOfficially known as the Büyük Mecidiye Camii - Grand Imperial Mosque - it is noted for its high bay windows, which are cunningly contrived to stage a "light show" using both sunlight and reflected light from the water.
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Rumelihisari - ("Rumelian Castle")660 viewsBuilt in 1451-52 as part of Sultan Mehmet II's plan of securing the Bosphorus in preparation for the conquest of Constantinople. The blue-striped white structure at the waterside, toward the center, is the modern Aşiyan lighthouse.
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The High-Rent District657 viewsWe were assured that property values along the Bosphorus were some of the highest in the world. I don't doubt it, but one wonders about the consequences of sea-level rise for these elegant waterfront properties.
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Fixer-Upper655 viewsAn unusual sight in this upper-crust neighborhood - probably an old house in the process of being torn down and replaced with a new one.
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Yali654 viewsWaterside houses like these are known as yali in Turkish. They are found on both sides of the Bosphorus but especially the Asian side. They are usually second homes for the very wealthy.
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Taverna Sarni652 viewsThis restaurant appeared to be built right onto the palace wall, as were the other buildings we passed on this narrow street.
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Seraglio Point652 viewsTopkapi Palace as seen from the Bosphorus, with the Tower of Justice on the upper right. This area is known as Seraglio Point.
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The Spice Bazaar652 viewsUpon disembarking from the cruise boat, we visited this covered mall, which has been around since 1664. All kinds of spices, nuts, candies, etc., are sold here; Sandie emerged with a haul of various kinds of spices as well as Turkish Delights.
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Bosphorus Bridge651 viewsThe older of the two bridges spanning the Bosphorus. (There has been a third added since this picture was taken.) About 180,000 cars per day pass over it.
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