Who Came Up with the Idea of the Istanbul Canal? Was Erdoğan the First?
Although Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented the idea of digging the Istanbul Canal, he was not the first to suggest it. The project’s roots go back to the 16th century.
The renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan first proposed the idea to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1568) as a waterway linking the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. Later, several Ottoman sultans revived the project, the last being Sultan Mahmud II, who formed a committee in 1813. However, financial difficulties prevented progress, and the idea was shelved.
The project resurfaced in modern times when Bülent Ecevit suggested it before the 1994 municipal elections, naming it a “Mega Project.” It faded again until 2011, when then-Prime Minister Erdoğan reintroduced it.
Why Insist on the Canal?
The Bosporus Strait is considered the world’s most dangerous maritime passage due to its congestion—thousands of tankers and ships pass annually, causing delays of up to 24 hours and leading to accidents, including more than 50 incidents between 2016 and 2019.
The canal would reduce such risks, prevent accidents like the 1979 Independenta disaster, and provide a safer, alternative route.
Economic Motives
The Montreux Convention of 1936 restricts Turkey’s ability to charge transit fees through the Bosporus. The Istanbul Canal, however, will not be bound by this treaty, with studies estimating $8 billion annual revenues, enough to cover the $15 billion cost in just two years.
Go Smart’s Role
At Go Smart Real Estate, our expert team helps investors select the best lands around the Istanbul Canal and manage all legal procedures from start to finish.
📌 Learn more: Go Smart Website
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