What’s Close to Turkey? Unveiling the Wonders of Neighboring Lands and Seas

Türkiye is located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Turkey shares borders with eight countries. These countries are:

Welcome to Turkey, a mystical nation where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony and the East and West collide. This transcontinental jewel features a breathtakingly beautiful geography, a history spanning millennia, and a rich tapestry of cultures.

We will traverse the eight nations that currently border Turkey in addition to the magnificent bodies of water that encircle its shores.

Turkey’s dynamic cities and varied landscapes, such as the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the bustling markets of Istanbul, have long attracted adventure and culture-seeking tourists.

But what truly sets this nation apart is its unique position on the map. With Europe to the West and Asia to the East, Turkey is a mesmerizing bridge between two continents.

I’ll give you a brief rundown of each of Türkiye’s neighbors and talk about what to see, how they’ve historically connected, and the geopolitical forces that have shaped this vibrant region. Our journey across Turkey’s borders and surrounding waters is sure to be educational and enjoyable, regardless of your interest in history, adventure, or just general worldly curiosity.

So pack your bags, grab your map, and let’s embark on an adventure to discover the wonders that lie at the meeting point of Turkey, where the magnificence of nature, modernity, and ancient history converge.

From the Mediterranean coast to the tops of the Caucasus Mountains, there is a world waiting to be explored beyond Turkey’s boundaries.

What Water Borders Does Türkiye Have

Turkey is a transcontinental country that connects Europe and Asia, so the various bodies of water that surround it have an impact on its unique geography. The significant bodies of water that border Turkey include:

• Turkey has a long coastline that stretches along the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
• Turkey’s western coast runs parallel to the Aegean Sea.
• The Black Sea: Turkey’s northern coast is home to the Black Sea.
• The Sea of Marmara connects the Black Sea Coast to the Aegean Sea and is an inland body of water entirely contained within Turkey’s boundaries.
• The Bosporus, Turkey’s narrow natural strait, splits Istanbul, the largest city in the country, into its Asian and European halves. It also connects the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.
• Linking the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara, the Çanakkale Strait, also known as the Dardanelles Strait, is an important waterway for Turkey.

These bodies of water have played a significant role in Turkey’s history, especially the history of the Ottoman Empire, and have made the country a major player in regional and international affairs.

8 Countries That Have Turkish Borders

Greece offers a delightful fusion of culture, history, and natural beauty, situated conveniently between Turkey’s western coast and the Aegean Sea.

Explore Athens’ historic ruins to see the Parthenon and Acropolis, or simply relax on the stunning beaches of the Greek islands, which are situated off the southeast coast of contemporary Turkey. Greece and Turkey have had ups and downs in their historical relationship, but they both strive for peaceful coexistence as members of NATO.

From Turkey’s coastal cities, like Izmir, you can go there by land border or by ferry to various Greek islands. RECOMMENDED POST.

Bulgaria, which borders Turkey to the northwest, draws tourists with its charming towns like Plovdiv and Sofia, both of which have a thriving modern scene and a rich historical legacy. The two countries share a long history, with periods of both cooperation and conflict.

Today, they maintain peaceful relations as both are part of the EU.

To visit Bulgaria, a neighboring country of the Republic of Turkey, you can drive across the land border or take a bus from Istanbul, a bustling city in Northwestern Turkey, or other Turkish cities. RECOMMENDED POST.

Georgia, nestled in the scenic Caucasus Mountains, is a hidden gem. Its capital, Tbilisi, is a fusion of modernity and old-world charm.

The historical connection between Türkiye and Georgia traces back centuries, often characterized by cooperation. Today, these neighbors maintain diplomatic relations.

To enter Georgia, you can fly from Istanbul to Tbilisi or drive through the land border at Sarp. RECOMMENDED POST.

Armenia offers a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage with its ancient monasteries and stunning landscapes.

The history between Turkey and Armenia is complex, mainly due to the Armenian Genocide.

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Turkey and Armenia are strained, and the border is currently closed. However, you can take a different route or use one of the numerous airlines that fly from Istanbul to Yerevan to reach Armenia, which is located east of Anatolia.

Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave, is separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenia.

The historical connection with Türkiye is strong, and both nations share linguistic and cultural ties.

However, due to political complexities in the region, direct travel between Nakhchivan and Turkey can be challenging. It often involves flights from Istanbul to the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, and then on to Nakhchivan. RECOMMENDED POST.

Iran offers a tapestry of ancient history and modern culture. The two nations, Turkey and Iran, share a complex history marked by cooperation and rivalry.

Today, they maintain diplomatic relations. There are two ways to go from Turkey to Iran: by car via land borders such as Gurbulak-Bazargan, or by plane from Istanbul to Tehran.

Iraq’s historical attractions, like the vibrant marketplaces of Baghdad and the ancient city of Babylon, make for an amazing trip.

Turkey and Iraq maintain diplomatic ties, and there are land borders that you can cross.

Think about taking a bus or flying to Istanbul and then traveling within Iraq by domestic flight.

Syria is a culturally and historically rich nation with well-known sites like the ancient city of Damascus and Palmyra, both of which date back thousands of years.

The relationship between Türkiye and Syria has been strained in recent years due to the Syrian Civil War. The border is currently closed, and travel to Syria is not recommended. Historically, though, these two nations have shared deep cultural connections.

Before making any plans to visit these neighboring countries, please be aware that travel options and geopolitical relations are subject to change. It is therefore important to check the most recent information and travel advisories.

Is Turkey in Europe or Asia | Turkey is Asia or Europe

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