Turkey is a country that has undergone significant economic and infrastructural developments in recent years. In this article, we will explore some of the significant mega projects in Turkey.
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One of the key drivers of this growth has been the government’s focus on mega projects in Turkey – large-scale infrastructure projects designed to stimulate economic activity, improve transportation and communication, and enhance the country’s international standing.
1 – Istanbul New Airport
Istanbul New Airport is one of Turkey’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects.
Located on the European side of Istanbul, the airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.
Istanbul New Airport is a new international airport located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It was opened in 2018 and served as the primary airport for Istanbul, replacing the old Atatürk Airport.
The airport is one of the largest airports in the world, covering an area of 76.5 million square meters, and can handle up to 200 million passengers per year once all phases of construction are completed. It has four terminals and six runways, making it the first airport in the world to have a capacity for six independent parallel runways.
Istanbul New Airport has state-of-the-art facilities and technology, including advanced baggage handling systems, self-check-in kiosks, and an intelligent traffic control tower. The airport also has many shops, restaurants, lounges, and a five-star hotel within the terminal building.
The airport is well-connected to the city center of Istanbul, with several transportation options such as buses, metro, and taxi services. It is also located near several major highways, providing easy access for passengers traveling by car.
2 – Kanal Istanbul (Canal Istanbul)
Kanal Istanbul is a proposed artificial waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, bypassing the Bosporus Strait. The project is designed to reduce shipping traffic through the Bosporus, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
The Istanbul Grand Canal is a proposed project to create a new waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The canal would run parallel to the Bosporus Strait, providing an alternative route for shipping traffic and reducing congestion in the busy strait. The project is still in the planning stages and has faced opposition from environmental groups concerned about its potential impact on the region.
The route that the Istanbul Canal will pass through covers a total area of 152 million square meters. 37.5 million square meters of this area will be used for the waterway. The project will pass through the Kucukcekmece Lake, Sazlısu Dam, and Terkos Dam routes.
With this canal, the Bosporus will be closed entirely to tanker traffic, and two new peninsulas and a new island will be formed in Istanbul. The cost of the canal construction was predicted to be 75₺ billion. With Istanbul Canal and its integrated facilities, approximately 10,000 people are expected to work in the preparation-construction phase of the project and other enterprises such as the canal and port, logistics center, and marina.
3 – Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
It is A Modern Engineering Marvel Connecting Continents.
The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Bosporus Strait, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge was built to ease traffic congestion in Istanbul. It is also known as the Third Bosphorus Bridge, named after the Ottoman Sultan Selim I, Yavuz Sultan Selim, who ruled from 1512 to 1520.
The bridge is the longest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world, with a total length of 2.16 kilometers. The bridge opened in 2016 and has improved transportation between the city’s two sides.
4 – Istanbul-Izmir Highway
The project includes several large viaducts and tunnels, making it one of Turkey’s most impressive highway projects.
The road is part of a larger project to improve transportation infrastructure in Turkey, and it has significantly reduced travel time between the two cities.
It is a toll road and is also known as the O-5 Highway. The total length of the highway is approximately 426 km (265 mi), and it is one of the country’s busiest and most important highways.
The highway was built to improve transportation between Istanbul and Izmir, two of Turkey’s largest cities. It provides a faster and safer route for travelers and also helps to boost trade and commerce between the two regions.
Construction of the highway began in 2010 and was completed in 2019. The project involved the construction of several tunnels, bridges, and viaducts, as well as the widening of sting roads. The highway has a speed limit of 120 km/h (75 mph) and several rest areas and service stations.
Overall, the Istanbul-Izmir Highway is a critical infrastructure project for Turkey, as it connects two major cities and supports economic growth and development in the region.
5 – Ankara High-Speed Train Station
Ankara High-Speed Train Station is a state-of-the-art train station in the heart of Turkey’s capital city.
The station is part of the Ankara-Istanbul high-speed rail project, designed to connect Turkey’s two largest cities in three hours.
The project has significantly improved transportation between Ankara and Istanbul, reducing travel time and increasing passenger comfort.
The Ankara High-Speed Train Station is a modern railway station located in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. It is the country’s central hub for high-speed trains and is known as the Ankara YHT station. The station opened in 2016 and is one of Turkey’s largest and most advanced railway stations.
The Ankara High-Speed Train Station is designed to handle many passengers and has modern facilities and amenities. It has six platforms, four of which are used for high-speed trains and two for conventional trains. The station also features a large concourse area, waiting for lounges, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
The station is a central transportation hub in Turkey, connecting Ankara with other major cities such as Istanbul, Konya, and Eskisehir. High-speed trains running from the Ankara station can reach up to 300 km/h (186 mph) and offer a comfortable and efficient way to travel between cities.
In addition to high-speed trains, the Ankara station also serves conventional and regional trains, making it an important transportation hub for local and long-distance travel.
Overall, the Ankara High-Speed Train Station is a critical transportation infrastructure in Turkey, offering modern and efficient travel options for both domestic and international travelers.
6 – Antalya Expo Center
Antalya Expo Center is a large convention and exhibition center in Antalya, Turkey.
The center is designed to host large-scale events and exhibitions, attracting visitors from around the world. As a result, the center has played a key role in promoting tourism and economic development in the region.
It was built in 2016 and covered an area of 120,000 square meters, making it one of the largest exhibition centers in Turkey.
The center has state-of-the-art technology and facilities, including conference halls, meeting rooms, and exhibition spaces. It can accommodate up to 15,000 people and hosts various events such as trade shows, conferences, concerts, and cultural events.
Antalya Expo Center is conveniently located near Antalya International Airport and several hotels, making it easily accessible for visitors worldwide. It is also close to many popular tourist attractions in Antalya, such as the Old Town, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Antalya Museum.
Overall, Antalya Expo Center is a modern and versatile venue that provides a world-class platform for business and cultural events in Antalya.
7 – Eurasia Tunnel
Connecting the European and Asian continents under the sea.
The Eurasia Tunnel was put into service in 2016 with an investment of $1,245 billion. The 5.4-kilometer section of the project consisted of a two-story tunnel built with unique technology under the seabed and connection tunnels built using other methods.
The tunnel, which covered an entire route of 14.6 kilometers, was the first in the world. 4.1 million drivers used the Eurasia Tunnel 64.5 million times. The tunnel contributed ₺6 billion to the country’s economy only in 4 years.
Mega Projects in Turkey in Conclusion
Mega projects in Turkey have been a significant focus of the Turkish government in recent years to improve transportation and communication infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. While these projects have faced challenges and controversies, they have also contributed to Turkey’s development and global standing. As the country invests in infrastructure, we will likely see more ambitious mega projects.
These mega projects in Turkey have helped improve infrastructure and played a significant role in creating jobs and boosting the economy. While some of these projects have been associated with challenges and controversies, the overall impact has been positive, contributing to Turkey’s growth and development. As the country continues to invest in infrastructure and pursue ambitious projects, we will likely see further progress.
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