Istanbul’s Ferries: More Than Transport, A Living Symbol of History and Control

Istanbul's ferries are often celebrated as picturesque connections between continents, rich with stories and steeped in history. But beneath the romantic surface lies an important lesson for those who value freedom and national sovereignty: even the most cherished institutions can become tools of government control.Every year, some 40 million passengers cross the Bosporus and Sea of Marmara on these vessels, ranging from daily commuters to tourists. The ferries serve as lifelines binding Asia to Europe, symbolic corridors where diverse cultures and histories converge. Yet these waters are entirely under Turkish jurisdiction—a fact often overlooked by casual observers.The Ottoman Empire once...