Turkey’s geographical importance is enormous worldwide and it benefits immensely from its location. It is a transcontinental country divided by the sea between Europe and Asia and boasts an area of 783,562 km2.
To add to this, Turkey is surrounded by the sea in three directions, which include the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean Sea. Not to mention, Turkey is also bordered by the Sea of Marmara.
The vastness of this country and the uniqueness of its location can be seen in the vibrant and diverse culture of Turkey.
If you are thinking of moving to Turkey and want to better explore this country, our blog offers a detailed explanation of the map of Turkey and its surrounding countries.
Where is Turkey on the World Map?
Turkey’s place on the world map is unlike any other. It extends across Anatolia in Asia and Thrace in Europe, with the Anatolian part being much larger than its European part. The country is also closer to the Middle East, which gives it a strategic advantage and access to various markets in the world.
Countries Close to Turkey
To better understand Turkey’s culture and demographics, it is first important to know which countries border it. The countries around Turkey are a mix of Asian, Middle Eastern, and European. The country is bordered by Bulgaria which is located in the north-west, and Greece; its western neighbor.
Additionally, its eastern neighbors include Azerbaijan, Iran, and Armenia while in the southeast, the country has Syria and Iraq. And finally, Georgia is located in the northeast of the country.
Let’s have a quick look at some details on these countries:
Bulgaria
The official name of the country is the Republic of Bulgaria and covers an area of 111.000 sq km. Its capital is Sofia, as well as its largest city and the country is well known for its beaches, mountains, and overall natural beauty. Furthermore, Bulgarian is the official language of the country.
Greece
The capital city of Greece is Athens and the country is a Parliamentary Republic. Greek is its official language. The country covers a 131,940 sq km area and is famous for its mythology, diverse history, and beaches.
Georgia
This country also enjoys a transcontinental status in the world and boasts an area of 69,700 square kilometers. Tbilisi is its capital while Georgian is its official language.
The country is renowned for its mountains which are some of the highest in the world.
Azerbaijan
The country’s official name is the Republic of Azerbaijan and Baku is its capital city. Azerbaijan is its official language and it occupies 86,600 square kilometres of land.
Azerbaijan has a large reserve of oil and gas while one of its most famous sites, “Yanar Daği” which translates to “the Burning Mountain” has a fire that has been burning for about 65 years due to the natural gas present underground.
Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran is known for its mountainous terrain and is the 6th largest country in Asia by area, covering 1,648,195 square kilometers. While the official language is Persian, multiple other languages are spoken in the country. Additionally, Tehran is its capital as well as the country’s economic hub.
Armenia
The Republic of Armenia has a 29,743 sq km area and has Armenian as its official language. Yerevan is its capital city and the country is well-known for its archeological sites and museums.
Syria
The Syrian Arab Republic covers an area of 185,178 square kilometers and boasts 2 of the oldest cities in the world: Damascus and Aleppo. The official language of the country is Arabic while Damascus is its capital city.
Iraq
The Republic of Iraq spans an area of 437,072 square kilometers and carries the title of "cradle of civilization" as the country has a vast history and diverse heritage. The official language of the country is Arabic and its capital city is Baghdad.
The Different Regions in Turkey
Here we outline the different regions of Turkey:
Aegean Region
The Aegean region is the place to be because of its warm and summery climate and its extensive coastline. Tourist-favorites such as Bodrum are located in the region, while the area is one of the oldest in the country and even is home to Ephesus which is an ancient Greek city.
Provinces such as Izmir, Manisa, Kutahya, Mugla, Afyon, and Denizli are located in this region.
Black Sea Region
The Black Sea region connects with Georgia in the east and is a highly mountainous area. It is completely different from the rest of Turkey and receives a large amount of rainfall and is filled with greenery all around.
Its most well-known city is Trabzon which is a popular tourist destination as well. Giresun, Samsun, Bolu, Safranbolu, Sinop, and Rize are some of the provinces in this region.
Central Anatolia Region
Central Anatolian region is one of the most important as this is where Ankara, the capital city of the country sits. This region is also frequented by tourists year-round because this is where one of the most visited places in Turkey; Cappadocia is located as well as other popular cities such as Konya and Kayseri.
Eastern Anatolia Region
The Eastern Anatolian region has a mountainous terrain and is dotted with historical sites. The renowned Van Lake is also located in this region.
During the winter, the snow-covered mountains offer ample opportunity for winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing.
Provinces in the Eastern Anatolian region include Agri, Van, Malatya, Hakkari, Igdir, Elazig, Kars, Bingol, and Tunceli.
Southeast Anatolia Region
This region shares borders with Syria and has the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. To add to this, some of the ruins of the Mesopotamian civilizations are also in this region.
Batman, Diyarbakir, Kilis, Sanliurfa, Mardin, and Adiyaman are some of the provinces located in this region.
Mediterranean Region
Rich in lush mountains and featuring a pristine coastline and sandy beaches, the Mediterranean region is where you will find the most widely popular resort towns such as Antalya and Alanya.
The sparkling beaches of this region such as the Kaputas, Lara, and Patara beaches are visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Fethiye, Antalya, and Alanya as well as quaint resort towns such as Kas and Kalkan, and located here.
Marmara Region
The Marmara Region is a key part of the country as this is where Istanbul is located, the thriving economic and tourist hub of the country. It is also home to other places such as Tekirdag, Yalova, Izmit, Edirne, and Bursa.
The Marmara region extends across Asia and Europe and people use ferries to move from one side to the other.
Lakes in Turkey
Turkey is a country blessed with immense natural beauty. Along with its rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring landscape, there are many lakes and other natural reservoirs of water scattered throughout the country. These ecological wonders cater to both local and international tourists and recreation opportunities.
Lake Van
Lake Van is the most well-known and largest lake in the country. Its saline waters cover 3700 sq. km, surrounded by rugged and intimidating mountains that further add to its natural beauty. This ethereal lake is known for its blue waters and historical attractions. One of the landmarks is the Armenian Church on Akdamar Island. The lake is not just a tourism paradise but also supports the local fishing industry by being a rich reservoir for Pearl Mullet Fish.
Lake Tuz
This beautiful lake takes its name from the Turkish word for salt. The second largest lake in Turkey, Lake Tuz is the source of 70% of the country’s salt. It is a suitable place for Birdwatchers and Photographers from all over the world as many migratory birds stop here every season.
Sapanca Lake
This beautiful freshwater lake serves as a calm paradise for many who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Metropolitan Istanbul for a bit.
Apart from these natural wonders, many other picturesque lakes in Turkey add to its charm and overall appeal as one of the world's top tourism destinations.
The Landscape of Turkey
Turkey occupies a unique transcontinental location on the world map. It spans both Europe and Asia, serving as a bridge between two cultures and ways of life. Due to its strategic placement, Turkey has a diverse and wonderful landscape. From ancient mountains, fertile plateaus, picturesque coastlines, rivers, and lakes, to lush green forests, there is a bit of everything in this gifted country.
Turkey is an ancient country. Many cultures and civilization have left their marks on its varied landscape. This not only makes the natural beauty of the country awe-inspiring but also adds historical relevance to it. For instance, Mount Ararat in the eastern part of the country holds religious significance as the resting place for Noah’s Ark.
The fertile plains and plateaus of the country play an important role in its agriculture and exports. However, what Turkey is known for is its fame as a must-visit tourist destination. The versatile landscape plays an important part in attracting millions of tourists to its turquoise coastline every year. Ecological wonders like Cappadocia, with its underground cities and fairy chimneys, hold the attention of visitors and give them the experience of a lifetime.
Regional Importance of Turkey and Connectivity with the World
The unique and strategic location of Turkey makes it a hub of regional connectivity. The country has a huge land mass and is surrounded by no less than eight countries. Its advanced aviation industry and state-of-the-art airports connect it to most of the world. Turkey borders the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Marmara, making its waters and ports uniquely important in terms of trade and commerce.
Turkish Airlines, which is the national carrier of Turkey offers flights to about 121 countries around the world. Not to mention, the country has become a major hub for multinational companies.
Conclusion
Turkey’s position on the world map as a Eurasian country and the vast and diverse countries surrounding it highlight how truly remarkable and multifaceted this country is.
So, whether you want to travel across this gorgeous country or want to move here to start a new life, we hope our blog provides you with all the details you need to get a better understanding of Turkey.
