Editing Selim II (section)

=== Astrakhan expedition ===
In 1569, Selim made an unsuccessful attempt to [[Russo-Turkish War (1568–1570)|conquer Astrakhan]].{{sfn | A’goston | Masters | 2010 | p=491}} One of the most ambitious endeavours during his reign, albeit left unfinished, was the construction of a canal connecting the [[Don (river)|Don]] and [[Volga]] rivers. Championed by Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, this extensive project involved excavating around 40 miles of challenging terrain. The canal, if completed, aimed to strategically benefit the Ottomans along the northern frontiers, serving to control Muscovy's advancement and establishing a base for potential attacks on Safavid Persia. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions and disorder among the soldiers dispatched to the region hindered the canal's completion.{{sfn | A’goston | Masters | 2010 | p=514}}