Bridge connecting 2 continents: Should 15 July Martyrs Bridge be opened to pedestrians?

Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport has placed the idea of reopening the 15 July Martyrs Bridge to pedestrian traffic back on its agenda. Hurriyet news from Türkiye asked experts in the field for their insights. While some raised concerns about security risks, others highlighted the potential benefits for Istanbul’s tourism industry.

Symbol of Istanbul since 1973

Opened on October 30, 1973 after three years of construction, the bridge was originally named the Bosphorus Bridge. Following the construction of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, it became known as the “First Bridge.”

After the attempted coup on July 15, 2016, it was renamed the 15 July Martyrs Bridge in honor of those who lost their lives on it. Until 1978, the bridge allowed pedestrian traffic, but it has since been reserved exclusively for vehicles. Today, the idea of reopening the bridge to pedestrians is being discussed once again as a potential “tourism project.” Inspired by examples like California’s Golden Gate and New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, the proposal is still in the research phase.

‘New tourism attraction’

Architect and writer Sinan Genim, who used the bridge‘s pedestrian path frequently in his youth, shared his thoughts: “I used to walk across from Europe to Anatolia. Pedestrian traffic was closed due to unfortunate incidents. With serious precautions, this could be reconsidered. It would offer a new activity for the Bosphorus, but the technical aspects must be carefully examined.”

Ozgur Ozaltun, President of the Istanbul Guides Chamber, added: “It could be an exciting innovation for tourism. The southern side of the bridge offers stunning views of historic landmarks like the Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahce. Tourists are always fascinated by these vistas, especially during sunset. If proper safety measures are taken, we would support this project.”

‘A unique viewing platform’

Art historian Hayri Fehmi Yilmaz suggested that if the right security measures are in place, the bridge could serve as an extraordinary viewing platform for the city.

“From one side, you’d see the iconic Istanbul skyline, and from the other, the beautiful Bosphorus. It would create a new tourist route and help foster a sense of belonging among Istanbul residents. I view this proposal positively.”

Security concerns

However, not everyone is as optimistic. Retired police chief Haydar Ozdemir emphasized the potential safety hazards: “The pedestrian walkway on the bridge is narrow. In the event of panic, there could be dangerous congestion. A forgotten bag could trigger a ‘suspicious package’ alert, halting both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Additionally, there is a risk of pedestrians trying to cross into vehicle lanes, creating further hazards.”

Structural and wind concerns

Professor Metin Aydogan, an expert on bridges, expressed concerns about the bridge’s suitability for pedestrian traffic: “I was there the day the bridge opened. It was designed to withstand the high winds in that area, which makes it unsuitable for pedestrians. Any additional structures to prevent accidents would add extra weight and strain on the bridge.”

Another bridge expert, Professor Altok Kursun, proposed a more controlled approach: “I taught bridge construction at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) for 10 years and was involved in the bridge’s design. Initially, we included pedestrian paths on both sides, but incidents like suicides and objects being thrown off the bridge led to its closure. The bridge can handle the weight of pedestrians, but special safety measures could cause strain on the structure. A possible solution would be limited, controlled access in small groups, similar to a museum tour. However, a large-scale opening to pedestrian traffic would not be advisable.”

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu commented to Hurriyet: “It’s still in the idea phase. Our teams are working on it. The opinions of Istanbul residents are important to us. Once our studies are complete, we will make a final decision.”

The proposal to reopen the 15 July Martyrs Bridge to pedestrians has sparked a lively debate. While there are concerns about security and structural integrity, the potential for tourism is undeniable. As the Ministry of Transport continues its studies, the views of Istanbul’s residents may ultimately shape the future of this iconic bridge.