The Bosphorus Cup medal, designed by Studio Yellowdot, draws inspiration from the historic Bosphorus Strait, where Asia and Europe meet. Its elongated rectangular form mirrors the strait’s narrow passage, a vital maritime route for centuries.
At the heart of the design are digitally sculpted waves, capturing the fluid motion of sailboats gliding through the ever-changing waters of the Bosphorus. These waves, intricately modeled, reflect the currents and winds that challenge even the most skilled sailors, embodying the energy and excitement of navigating the strait. The curvature of the medal subtly recalls the stern of a sailboat, emphasizing the elegance and fluidity of their movement through water.
In collaboration with Gorbon Ceramics, the medal is crafted using bespoke techniques that honor traditional Turkish tile-making. The lustrous glaze allows the sculpted waves to shimmer in the light, much like the waters of the Bosphorus.
Infused with hues of turquoise and cobalt, colors historically linked to the region’s palaces and mosques, adding a deep connection to Turkish heritage.
Special editions in gold, silver, and bronze are especially produced for the race winners, the design is offered as a grand wall plaque for captains or owners and smaller medallions for each of the crew, each piece a lasting keepsake of the Bosphorus Cup. It celebrates the union of man, boat, and water, a memento of sailing through one of the world’s most storied and enchanting waterways.
Commissioned by the founder of the Bosphorus Cup Istanbul, Orhan Refik Gorbon, the medals complement the silver perpetual trophy designed by Can Yalma (2004). The medals were first presented in the prize-giving ceremony of the 23rd edition of the Bosphorus Cup in Istanbul.
Photography: Ali Gulsener
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