Kanal İstanbul’s Technical Study Report has been Published

Kanal İstanbul (Channel Istanbul) is a project for the artificial sea-level waterway which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and thus to the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.

It has been on the government’s agenda since 2011. A technical study report of the project has been published by the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB). Here are some highlights from the report:

“The project will cause the usage of unhealthy water.”

“It will become almost impossible to do farming and husbandry.”

“The risk of land sliding will increase; Sea of Marmara will become a lifeless eco-system.”

“Heavy metals will poison sea creatures.”

“Artificial islands will have higher risks to be destroyed during a possible earthquake.”

“Bird species will not be able to find a proper resting/feeding ground during their migration.”

“Cultural memory of the city will disappear.”