Is Turkey in Europe?
Turkey, officially known as the Republic of Turkey, is a Eurasian country. Turkey stretches across the Anatolian peninsula in western Asia and Thrace (Rumelia) in the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. In this article, we will explore questions like “Is Turkey in Europe or Asia?”. “Why Turkey is considered Both in Europe and in Asia”, and more.
Is Turkey in Europe Or Asia?
Geographically, Turkey is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The majority of its landmass is situated in Western Asia, while a smaller portion lies on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. Thus, Turkey is considered a transcontinental country, spanning two continents.
Why is Turkey considered Both in Europe and Asia?
Turkey is considered in Asia and Europe because it spreads across two continents, with most of its landmass in Asia and a smaller portion in Europe. Its location straddling the Bosphorus Strait, which separates the two continents, has made it a unique cultural and historical crossroads blending influences from both continents throughout its history.
Separating Anatolia and Thrace are the Sea of Marmara and the Turkish Straits (the Bosporus and the Dardanelles), which are commonly reckoned to delineate the border between Asia and Europe, making Turkey transcontinental.
Where is Turkey?
Turkey is spread over 302,455 square miles of area. The country has approximately 39.9334° N latitude and 32.8597° E longitude. Eight countries border Turkey. Bulgaria to the northwest; Greece to the west; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the southeast. The Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus are to the south; the Aegean Sea and Archipelago are to the west; and the Black Sea is to the north. Turkey shares maritime boundaries with Russia, Ukraine, Cyprus, Romania and Egypt.
Is Turkey Part of the European Union?
No, Turkey is not currently a member of the European Union (EU). Relations between the European Union (EU) and Turkey were established in 1959, and the institutional framework was formalized with the 1963 Ankara Agreement. The country is negotiating its accession to the European Union (EU) as a member state following its application to become a full member of the European Economic Community (EEC), the predecessor of the EU, on 14 April 1987. Since 2005, progress has been slow, and full membership has not yet been achieved.
Interesting Facts about Turkey
- Istanbul, Turkey’s biggest city, is the only city in the world on two continents. One side is in Europe, and the other is in Asia.
- Due to Turkey’s location between Europe and Asia, it has a mix of cultures from both. This makes Turkish culture unique and exciting.
- Turkey has many different kinds of animals and plants because of its geographical location. Some animals and plants are found only in Europe or Asia, but in Turkey, you can find both. The country is home to species like the Anatolian leopard, a rare sight in Europe, and the Caspian snowcock, more commonly found in Asia.
- Turkish food, art, architecture, and music mix European and Asian styles. For example, Turkish cuisine features dishes similar to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, showcasing a fusion of flavors and cooking styles.
- The Bosporus Strait in Turkey is a narrow strip of water which divides Istanbul that separates Europe and Asia. Many ships pass through it every day. It is a crucial transportation route, connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and facilitating trade between Europe and Asia.
- Turkey spans two continents and also crosses over two time zones. Most of the country operates on Eastern European Time (EET), while the eastern regions, use Turkey Time (TRT).
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