Turkey’s Canal Istanbul dispute explained

Controversy in Turkey over mega waterway project and key international treaty leads to arrest of retired admirals.

Criticism by dozens of retired Turkish admirals and diplomats warning the government not to open up for debate a key international treaty managing Turkey’s major waterways has created new controversy. The Turkish government last month approved President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans to build a shipping canal in Istanbul similar to the Panama or Suez canals as an alternative to Turkey’s internationally used straits connecting Asia to Europe. The 45km (90-mile) Canal Istanbul is projected to cost $9.2bn.