Why Turkey is Transforming Istanbul Into an Island

Summary by Krater

This video examines the geopolitical and economic significance of Turkey's Bosphorus Strait, the Montreux Convention, and the proposed Istanbul Canal project, arguing that the new canal is intended to bypass Montreux restrictions and generate revenue rather than alleviate traffic congestion.

From the video

Answers: Why is Turkey building a new canal and why is it so controversial?

• Bosphorus Strait geography and trade
• Montreux Convention of 1936
• Kanal Istanbul mega project
• Geopolitical implications of Turkish straits
• Black Sea maritime trade and security

Ingredients

• Bulgogi Pork Tenderloin ingredients (sweet Korean BBQ sauce, scallions, carrots, jasmine rice, lime)

What it concludes

• The Bosphorus Strait is one of the busiest and most strategic trade routes in the world, carrying massive amounts of oil and wheat.
• The 1936 Montreux Convention guarantees Turkish neutrality and restricts non-Black Sea military vessels, creating friction with the US and NATO while giving Turkey little direct financial gain.
• Turkey's proposed Istanbul Canal project is primarily designed to generate up to $8 billion annually in tolls and bypass Montreux Convention restrictions rather than simply alleviate maritime traffic congestion.
• The Istanbul Canal project faces severe domestic and international opposition due to environmental risks, displacement of residents, potential threats to water supply, and geopolitical tensions with Russia.