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The Karakum Canal in Cyprus!
The Karakum Canal is a 100 km (62 miles) long canal that connects the city of Famagusta on the eastern coast of Cyprus to the city of Larnaca on the southern coast. It was built in the 1960s and is an important waterway for the island's economy.
Here are some interesting facts about the Karakum Canal:
- Purpose: The canal was built to provide a shortcut for ships traveling between the Mediterranean Sea and the ports of Famagusta and Larnaca, reducing the distance and time it takes to navigate around the island.
- Length: The canal is approximately 100 km (62 miles) long, making it one of the longest canals in the Mediterranean region.
- Depth: The canal has a depth of around 8-10 meters (26-33 feet), allowing large ships to pass through.
- Width: The canal is around 100-150 meters (330-490 feet) wide, providing a safe and navigable passage for vessels.
- Locks: The canal has two locks, one at each end, which allow ships to be lifted or lowered to match the water level of the Mediterranean Sea and the canal.
- Navigation: The canal is navigable by ships of up to 20,000 tons, and it is an important route for cargo vessels, tankers, and passenger ships.
- Environmental concerns: The canal has been criticized for its impact on the environment, particularly the loss of wetlands and habitats for local wildlife.
- Tourism: The canal is also a popular tourist attraction, with boat tours and cruises available for visitors to explore the canal and its surroundings.
Overall, the Karakum Canal is an important infrastructure project that has played a significant role in Cyprus' economy and development.