The Bosphorus is as legendary as the city itself, and for good reason. For centuries, Ottoman sultans resided in opulent mansions on its banks, presiding over ancient Constantinople.

The Bosphorus is a key link between Asia and Europe, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, which in turns joins with the Aegean and Mediterranean through the Dardanelles Strait.

For generations, my family resided on the banks of the Bosphorus. My great-grandmother, the daughter of a pasha, was born at Dolmabahce Palace, the resplendent 19th century seat of imperial power ...