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Bosphorus

Bosphorus: Episode 1

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Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - Bosphorus, Episode 1

Edward Stourton explores the life and history of the Bosphorus, Istanbul.

Edward Stourton explores the life and history of the Bosphorus. 1/3: How the Bosphorus's rich and bloody history has inspired poets, writers and artists from around the world.

Flowing through the heart of Istanbul, in Turkey, the Bosphorus has been a flash point between cultures, religions and imperial powers for thousands of years; from the Roman and Byzantine Empires, to the clash between Islam and Christianity and the Cold War between the super powers of the East and West. The Bosphorus has a rich and bloody history that's inspired poets, writers and artists from around the world. 

Edward Stourton looks at that rich history and how the Bosphorus works today. 50,000 vessels make their way through the narrow straits every year - everything from small fishing boats to giant oil and gas tankers battles through the treacherous currents making it one of the busiest and most dangerous international waterways in the world.

Producer: Phil Pegum.

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Edward Stourton explores the life and history of the Bosphorus

Edward Stourton explores the life and history of the Bosphorus, the remarkable body of water that marks the meeting point of Europe and Asia

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