Which body of water is strategically important for trade between Europe and Asia, flowing through Istanbul?

The Bosphorus Strait is the correct answer because it serves as a narrow waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, eventually linking to the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean. This strategic passage is highly significant for trade between Europe and Asia, as it allows for the navigational passage of ships carrying goods from one continent to another. The strait is not only important for economic reasons but also plays a vital role in historical and geopolitical contexts, as control over it has historically enabled nations to influence trade routes and naval power.

Trade through the Bosphorus Strait impacts many countries, as it is one of the only routes for ships traveling between the Black Sea—a crucial area for various natural resources and agricultural exports—and other global markets. Istanbul, located at both the termination point of this strait and a historical crossroads of cultures, enhances the importance of this waterway even further, making it a critical juncture in international trade relations between Europe and Asia.