ISTANBUL, 26 February (Xinhua) — When construction work on the Tuz Gölü Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Expansion Project commenced in 2020, the proposed schedule was widely regarded as highly ambitious. The project, led by the Turkish state-owned company BOTAŞ as the employer, was executed through a collaboration between IC İçtaş İnşaat and China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd.
During the initial years of the project, significant concerns were expressed regarding the feasibility of completing the above-ground facilities within the designated timeframe.
Mao Zhuxuan, the Chinese project manager involved in the undertaking, recalls those early days as follows: “Many believed the project could not be completed on time. However, once we mobilized on site, we recognized that this was not merely a technical assignment, but also carried a profound sense of responsibility.”
This sense of responsibility extended beyond contractual obligations and was deeply rooted in the broader bilateral relations between the two countries. The design, construction, and commissioning processes were planned and executed concurrently. Teams maintained an intensive work pace over many months. Harsh weather conditions—including cold temperatures, strong winds, and the challenges of working on a high plateau—did not impede progress; rather, they contributed to the development of a more disciplined and tightly coordinated working culture.
The successful and timely completion of the above-ground facilities dispelled the initial doubts and fostered a growing sense of confidence. This trust was further reinforced at the institutional level when the same joint team was selected to undertake the third phase of the project.
During the second half of February 2026, coinciding with the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival), more than 200 Chinese personnel chose to remain in Türkiye rather than return to their home country. Instead of spending the holiday with their families, they opted to stay on site and welcomed the New Year while fulfilling their professional duties.
Workers from China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd. preparing Chinese New Year decorations at the Phase II camp area of the Tuz Gölü Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Expansion Project, 16 February 2026. (Photo: Liu Lei/Xinhua)
On the eve of the Chinese New Year last week, Chinese and Turkish personnel gathered at the construction site to share a joint New Year’s dinner. The meal, which combined traditional Chinese dishes with Turkish culinary specialties, served not only as a festive celebration but also as a tangible expression of solidarity for the Chinese workers who were far from their families.
Seda, a safety officer who has been working on the project for five years, emphasizes the familial atmosphere that has developed between her and her Chinese colleagues.
Anıl, a quality engineer who has begun learning Chinese, states: “My family was initially worried about me working on this high plateau, but I truly enjoy collaborating with my Chinese colleagues. Although we occasionally hold differing opinions on technical matters, we always manage to reach a common solution through open discussion.”
For the Chinese engineers, the effort invested in this project transcends mere infrastructure development. Conducted amid the severe winds of the Anatolian plateau, this endeavor is regarded not only as a technical achievement but also as a vivid manifestation of the friendly and mutually supportive cooperation between Türkiye and China. ■