Erdogan's 'Crazy Plan': Turn Istanbul Into An Island

Erdogan has a "crazy project." He said it himself. A sort of Suez or Panama canal plan on Istanbul's European side that would turn the city into an island.

It might also get Bathonea, a long-lost Byzantine port town, underwater. Flooding cities is one thing that Turkey seems to enjoy lately.

The Turkish President announced a month ago that Kanal Istanbul would be one of the many construction projects to be completed by 2023, the centenary of the Turkish republic.

The environmentalists call it the 'nightmare project,' as it won't only damage archeological sites, but it will also threaten freshwater sources, species, and Istanbul's ecosystem.

According to the government, the new canal is needed because the Bosphorus cannot cope with the current level of shipping traffic.

They promise to create green spaces as part of the project, dismissing environmental concerns, although it is well known that in Istanbul, concrete reigns.

Construction is taking place everywhere in the city, with new bridges and tunnels that many Istanbulites avoid due to the expensive toll.

Will the same thing happen with the new canal?

According to the 1936 Montreux Convention, Turkey has to guarantee free passage to all civilian ships through the Bosphorus. So, what is all this really about?