Although still in its conceptual phase and yet to progress into a formal project, the initiative is being framed as a «touristic venture» that would be strictly regulated and limited, according to information provided by ministry officials to daily Hürriyet.

Completed over a span of three years and inaugurated in 1973, the bridge was the first of the three major crossings connecting the two continents, originally christened the Bosphorus Bridge. However, following the construction of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge further north, it became colloquially known as the “First Bridge.” In 2016, after the failed coup attempt by the FETÖ terror organization that saw numerous lives lost on the bridge, it was renamed the July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge’ in their memory.

When first opened 51 years ago, the bridge featured pedestrian access, with two designated walkways. However, due to safety concerns and an uptick in suicides, pedestrian access was eventually prohibited, leaving the bridge to serve vehicular traffic exclusively.

The ministry, drawing inspiration from pedestrian-friendly examples like the Golden Gate and Brooklyn Bridges in the United States, may develop a similar project, though Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu emphasized the importance of consulting public opinion from Istanbul residents.