Dragon Boat Festival in Turkey: Witnessing the Magnificent Scenery at the Crossroads of Europe and Asia

This year, instead of enjoying traditional rice dumplings, I spent the Dragon Boat Festival in Istanbul aboard a sightseeing cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. With the sea breeze in my face, I embarked on a breathtaking journey across Europe and Asia. The strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, offers Istanbul's most captivating views. On one side lies Europe, and on the other, Asia, with the ship gliding through picturesque landscapes on both shores. Along the way, we passed Ottoman-era palaces, colorful houses, ancient mosques, and modern bridges, creating a visual lesson in history and architecture. Occasionally, seagulls followed the ship, adding a poetic touch to the journey. Even without words, the scenery before me was profoundly moving. Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival on the sea, in a foreign land, was more than just travel—it was a serene ritual for the soul. --- Location Check-in: Bosphorus Strait Cruise, Istanbul