The Turks describe it as “the project of the era” and “the largest work to be done in the history of the Turkish Republic”
It’s the Istanbul Channel project announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he was prime minister in 2011.
The canal project, which will enhance Turkey’s position in the field of water crossings, links the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea in the European part of Istanbul.
Through the establishment of the Istanbul Canal, the Turkish government aims to reduce the movement of ships in the Bosphorus.
It also seeks to minimize damage to dangerous materials carriers, as well as to remove random buildings on the track.
Excavations have begun on the project’s overall route (2017)
As part of the project, the Ministry of Transport and Maritime collaborated with a large number of institutions, most notably the Ministries of Environment, Forestry and Water Affairs, Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Energy and Natural Resources.
In addition to the Municipality of Istanbul and the Department of Collective Housing “Toki” of the Turkish Prime Minister.
During the appointment of the canal route, the Ministry of Transport also hired a large number of Turkish and international experts.
Artificial Islands
The Directorate General of Road Roads will build bridges and an emergency port as part of the canal project.
The Ministry of Transport has drawn up the initial plan for the project, while the winning company will be responsible for preparing the implementation plan.
The dust of the canal excavations is to be used to establish industrial islands in the Marmara Sea, fill coal mine drilling, as well as build recreation areas.
Earthquake resistant
During the preparation of the project’s initial plan, it was found that the canal would not be adversely affected by the possible tsunami.
During the preparation of the scheme, wind gust statistics were taken into account for about 25 years to come.
Storms and deep sea waves were also studied in the Black Sea and Marmara.
The scheme was also designed so that the two banks of the canal were not affected by waves caused by the passage of ships in the corridor.
Despite leveraging the experience gained in other channels such as Panama, Suez and Kiel, the Istanbul Canal will be built in ways that create and technology of its own.