Turkey’s 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, spanning 2,023 meters, is now the world’s longest suspension bridge, surpassing Japan’s Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Opened in March 2022, the bridge connects Gelibolu in Europe to Lapseki in Asia, reducing travel times significantly.
The bridge’s construction began in 2017, cutting journey times by up to 93% and eliminating the need for 90-minute ferry trips. Paying tribute to Turkey’s history, the bridge’s name and length symbolize significant events in the country’s past.
President Erdogan highlighted the bridge’s significance, emphasizing Turkey’s achievement in surpassing Japan with this monumental infrastructure project. Plans for a longer bridge in Italy have been proposed, potentially overshadowing Turkey’s record-breaking structure. Despite challenges such as seismic activity and environmental concerns, Italy’s commitment to the project reflects a bold investment in the country’s future.
