Underwater cultural heritage potential of the Bosphorus

In ancient times, the Bosphorus was an essential passageway and a significant stopover for ships traveling to and from the Black Sea, just as it is today. Ships sought shelter in the safe areas along the Bosphorus to wait for favorable winds or to avoid the strong currents of the strait. As noted by the ancient writer Dionysius, the shores of the Bosphorus were separated by successive headlands, which were crucial for navigation safety. This information highlights the economic and strategic importance of the Bosphorus in antiquity and confirms the necessity of safe zones and small harbors along the strait. Rising sea levels in the Bosphorus suggest that certain structures and settlements may have been submerged over time. Accordingly, the study aimed to examine, investigate, and evaluate the potential underwater cultural heritage along the shores of Beykoz. During the diving operations conducted at three predetermined locations, strong currents, underwater vegetation, and environmental factors such as the marine mucilage (sea snot) that has spread across the Sea of Marmara in recent years made it challenging to identify possible archaeological remains. Mucilage forms a thick biological layer on the seabed, reducing the visibility of potential remains and increasing the risk of their deterioration. Therefore, more extensive and in-depth studies in the coming years are necessary to fully comprehend the underwater archaeological potential of the Bosphorus. Within this framework, literature reviews and historical document analyses were conducted, along with underwater field examinations and the analysis of diving data. The research has provided significant insights into the historical and cultural heritage of the Bosphorus. This thesis aims to identify the history, archaeology, and potential value of the underwater cultural heritage in the region. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the richness and significance of the Bosphorus's underwater cultural heritage and encourage the expansion of further studies in this field. Keywords: Bosphorus, Beykoz, Underwater cultural heritage, Hieron, Customs station, Maritime trade.