Minister: Türkiye's Canal Istanbul project remains key infrastructure priority

Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, has reaffirmed that the government has not abandoned the controversial Canal Istanbul project, despite it not featuring on the current agenda.

“We have not given up on the Canal Istanbul project,” Uraloğlu said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

“It’s not on today’s agenda, but when the time comes and we secure the right financing, we will certainly proceed.” He added that the project's timing would be determined through consultation.

Canal Istanbul, a flagship initiative originally proposed to alleviate pressure on the Bosphorus Strait, aims to transform İstanbul by introducing an artificial shipping canal linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

The proposal has drawn sustained criticism over environmental concerns, potential displacement, and financial viability, but remains a long-term strategic priority for the government.

The canal is set to pass through several districts: approximately 6,149 metres within Küçükçekmece, 3,189 metres through Avcılar, 6,061 metres in Başakşehir, and 27,383 metres within Arnavutköy.

Plans include the construction of six bridges spanning the canal. Additionally, large-scale residential developments are envisioned on both sides, with two new cities comprising a combined total of 500,000 housing units.

Despite ongoing debate and repeated delays, officials insist that Canal Istanbul remains central to Türkiye’s future infrastructure agenda.

By Aghakazim Guliyev