“The ferry gleams at the pier, reflecting the soft morning light.
A gentle chill hangs in the air,
The sea smells of tar and fish,
I’ve crossed to the other side in a rowboat from the bridge,
And in one breath, climbed our familiar hill…”
So begins Turgut Uyar’s poem “Ver Elini Haydarpaşa”, evoking memories that every İstanblue carries. The ferry is more than a vessel—it is a moving stage of countless stories, some we cherish and others we try to forget. Let’s linger on the ferries themselves, the timeless witnesses of our city’s life.
The First Steam Ferry
Imagine the scene on May 21, 1828, when Istanbul’s residents first glimpsed a steam-powered vessel slicing through the Bosphorus waves. Purchased by the Tersane-i Amire and added to the Ottoman navy, the ferry was called “Swift”, yet locals affectionately nicknamed it “Buğ” because of its mysterious steam. For the city, it was not just a ship—it was a symbol of a new era gliding across the water. Following this, Şirket-i Hayriye (Benevolent Company) has been established in 1851.
The World’s First Car Ferry
By 1871, Istanbul waters witnessed another milestone: the world’s first car ferry. Named Suhulet, meaning “ease” or “convenience,” it carried passengers and vehicles between Üsküdar and Kabataş. Remarkably, it served for 87 years before earning the title “Gazi” after the Çanakkale War, only to return to service in 2007, bridging history with the modern city.
The Iconic Star-and-Crescent Emblem
Look closely at the double anchors and star-and-crescent on the funnels of Istanbul ferries. Introduced in the early 1900s under Karl Leke, director of the Ottoman General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, this emblem connects past and present. The two anchors symbolize the two continents of Istanbul, while the emblem’s elegance evokes a golden era of maritime pride.
Piers Then and Now
Today, piers are essential points along the Bosphorus, buzzing with commuters and tourists alike. But when ferry services first began, there were no piers at all. Passengers disembarked at the pier of a sturdy waterside mansion, the yalı, trusting its safety as they stepped onto the city’s wooden thresholds.
From Old Ferries to Modern Ones
Ferries have always offered small comforts, from onboard snack counters to the simple pleasure of gazing at the Bosphorus. Yet one curious detail of old ferries surprises many: they had first- and second-class sections, sometimes more economical, sometimes requiring extra fare. These compartments also served as checkpoints for ticket inspectors, a small reminder of how organized yet personal city transport once was.
The Seagulls of Istanbul
No journey on the Bosphorus is complete without the company of seagulls. Legend says the ferries’ white hulls, accented in black and yellow, were inspired by these birds, whose wings and cries harmonize with the waters. Perhaps that’s why Istanbul’s ferries and its seagulls are inseparable in memory and imagination.
The Language of Ships
Ferries speak a language of their own, through whistle signals. Two short blasts mean: “I’m approaching the pier (coming in from the left).” Three short blasts warn: “Full reverse, I’m coming back (Attention, those behind me!).” To Istanbulites, these signals are as familiar as the city’s rhythm, a hidden conversation between vessels on the Bosphorus.
Names That Carry Memories
Sailors have long believed that a vessel’s character reflects its name. Many Istanbul ferries honor districts, martyrs, and luminaries from arts, literature, and science, carrying their memory across the waves. On each voyage, these ferries don’t just transport passengers—they ferry the city’s collective memory, connecting past and present.
The People’s Choice: Fatih
In 2009, Istanbul’s first ferry chosen by public vote was named Fatih. Residents were invited to select among eight designs in the “Let’s Choose Istanbul’s Ferry” campaign, ultimately choosing the modernized version of the classic “Number 4 Ferry”. Here, the city itself decided the shape of its own future, blending tradition and modernity on the waters it loves.
The ferries of Istanbul are more than a mode of transport—they are floating chapters of the city’s history, witnesses to everyday life and extraordinary moments alike. From steamships to modern vessels, from seagulls to star-and-crescent emblems, every detail tells a story. And as Turgut Uyar reminds us, there is poetry in even a simple crossing from one shore to another.
