It is inevitable that so beautiful and dramatic a stretch of water, unimaginably deep in places, and dividing the continents of Europe and Asia with its swift and varying currents, should be surrounded by legend.

The Bosphorus is about 30 km in length, with a width varying from about 700 m to 3.5 km. Its average depth is about 60 m but at certain points it is well over 100 m. The dominant current is from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara in places up to 4 knots but there are strong and erratic cross and under currents which make the Bosphorus more dangerous than the calm stretch of water it often appeared to be.

The Asian side is covered with fruit trees, villages and the most delightful landscapes in nature. On the European side stands Istanbul situated on seven hills.

The Bosphorus must have been a magical sight then, long stretches fringed with palaces and yalis leaning over the edge of the water.

Today's Bosphorus has changed greatly with its busy coast roads and new suspension bridges linking Europe and Asia and its rash of modern apartment blocks, hotels and cafes along the shores.