Turkish architect proposes flag-shaped island

ISTANBUL

Hürriyet photo

Well-known Turkish architect Metin Hepgüler has proposed a $2.4 billion project to build an artificial island inspired by Turkey’s national flag, daily Hürriyet has reported.
 
Hepgüler hopes to build an artificial island in the shape of the crescent moon and five-point star seen on the Turkish flag.
 
The architect prepared the project proposal after three years of work. His application to the concerned ministries for permission comes after his purchase of patent rights for the project.
 
If permitted, the island will be built along the coast of the western province of İzmir or by the Marmara Sea.
 
The island can be built in 45 months, said Hepgüler, adding that there will be more than a thousand villas, residencies, hotels, leisure centers and a heliport.
 
Foreign investors are highly interested in Hepgüler's project, Hürriyet has reported.
 
Hepgüler expects Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to declare the start of the project in 2013.