How Was the Engineering Marvel Marmaray Sea Tunnel Built?
The idea of connecting European and Anatolian landmasses by building a subsea tunnel through the Bosphorus was not new. This idea was proposed by Sultan Abdülhamid II in 1686, but technical deficiencies and financial difficulties prevented its implementation.
The project resurfaced in the 1980s. Japanese engineers arrived, initiated feasibility studies, and determined the route. In 1987, Turgut Özal announced the launch of the Bosphorus tunnel project. However, due to financial difficulties, the project was suspended. However, in 1995, the Marmaray project was officially approved with the signatures of President Süleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit. The tender process began in 2000, and the Japanese company Taisei, Nurol Construction, and Gama Holding became project partners. Construction of the Marmaray began in 2004. However, archaeological remains discovered during excavations halted construction for five years.
Eleven immersed tunnels were constructed at the Tuzla Shipyard. These tube tunnels were floated on the sea and transported to their destination. They were then sunk into the tunnel bed. How were earthquake resistance and waterproofing achieved? In this video, we'll shed light on every detail of the Marmaray tunnel.