Bosphorus closed to transit shipping for sailing race

Transit shipping through the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul has been temporarily suspended due to a sailing event, according to Turkish authorities.

Turkish media reported that the closure is linked to races held under the 2026 calendar of the Turkish Sailing Federation. The event, organised by Bahçeşehir University, is being conducted under the title “Helly Hansen – Sport Works Bosphorus Race.”

According to the Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety, vessel traffic through the strait was halted at 08:40.

Authorities expect transit shipping to resume at 18:40, once the sailing races conclude.

By Tamilla Hasanova