Crossing Continents: Istanbul Ferries Transport Passengers and Their Memories
In the heart of Istanbul, the Bosphorus Strait is a bustling waterway that requires a certain amount of experience due to powerful currents and potentially tricky conditions caused by strong southwesterly winds. Among the vessels that ply these waters is the Pasabahce, a white ferry that has been a familiar sight for nearly two centuries.
After undergoing a two-year restoration, the Pasabahce returned to the Bosphorus in 2022 on its 70th birthday. This flagship of Sehir Hatlari's 30 vessels primarily sails the 20-minute route between Kadikoy on the Asian side and Besiktas on the European side.
Sailing the Pasabahce can be challenging, even for a short trip. Burak Temiz, a sailor on the ferry, mentioned factors like people jumping into the water from Maiden's Tower and fishing nets as potential hazards. The crowded waters also pose a threat, with jet skis grazing the bows of the Pasabahce from time to time.
Despite the challenges, the Pasabahce carries at least 40 million passengers annually, providing an essential link between Istanbul's European shores and its Asian side. The service is only suspended for snow, fog, or a violent storm.
Ibrahim Bayus, a 62-year-old engineer, recalled the familiarity of the ferries, stating that as a boy, he often forgot money but the captain knew him. This sense of community extends to the crew, with dozens of staff working at the city's 53 ports, many of whom are known by regular passengers.
Captain Ekrem Ozcelik, born into a family of sailors and fishermen, enjoys the freedom of sailing and the kudos of his profession as a captain in the heart of Istanbul. He recalled a time when three students on Buyukada begged for his help as traffic had been suspended, and he took them to Kadikoy so they could take their exams.
The students who were helped by Captain Ozcelik still visit him, and Adil Bali, a specialist on Istanbul's ferries, emphasized the importance of the ferries, stating that any view of Istanbul should include a ferry, Maiden's Tower, and a seagull.
Until 1973, the only way to cross between Istanbul's Asian and European sides was by boat. Today, the ferry experience remains an essential part of the city's charm. The white ferries, operating for nearly two centuries, have transformed the simple fishing villages along the Bosphorus into popular holiday destinations.
Despite the Pasabahce being the focus of this article, it's important to note that all other ferries in operation have a six-man crew, while the Pasabahce has a nine-man crew. The ship mentioned in the report that has been sailing on the Bosporus since 2022 after a two-year reconstruction is not explicitly named in the provided search results. However, the Pasabahce's continued service is a testament to its enduring significance in Istanbul's rich maritime history.
