How Far is Turkey from Syria? Examining the Proximity of Two Complex Neighbors

Turkey and Syria share a long border as neighboring countries in the Middle East region. But how far apart are they really? What is the exact distance between Turkey and Syria? Given the complex relationship and frequent tensions between the two, their proximity has major implications for regional dynamics. Let’s take a closer look at the distance between Turkey and Syria and what it means.

Calculating the Distance from Syria to Turkey

The driving distance from Syria to Turkey is approximately 510 miles or 821 kilometers. This is based on calculating the shortest land route by road between the two countries. The flying distance is shorter at 322 miles or 518 kilometers. This straight line distance is “as the crow flies” from Syria to Turkey.

Another way to conceptualize the distance is that it takes about 10 hours to drive nonstop at highway speeds between the closest points in Syria and Turkey. A direct commercial flight would take around 1 hour. Clearly the countries are not that far apart as the crow flies. However, driving takes much longer given the need to stick to roads and border crossings.

Examining the Border Between Syria and Turkey

Syria and Turkey share a border that is 511 miles (822 km) long. It runs roughly east to west across hilly terrain that forms part of the Southeastern Taurus Mountains. There are several major border crossings connecting key cities and roads, such as Bab al-Hawa linking Idlib and Reyhanlı.

The Turkish provinces along the border are Hatay, Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Şırnak and Gaziantep. Syrian governorates include Idlib, Aleppo and Al-Hasakah. Several rivers also cross between the countries, including the Orontes. This long border has been a source of tension and conflict over the years.

Why the Distance Between Syria and Turkey Matters

Given the direct land border events in one country inevitably impact the other. Syria’s decade-long civil war has led to military tensions along the border. Turkey sees some Syrian rebel groups as security threats. At times, Turkey has launched operations into Syria against Kurdish militias.

Meanwhile, over 35 million Syrian refugees have fled to Turkey Cities like Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa have major Syrian populations. Attacks have also spilled over the border such as car bombings by the Islamic State. Clearly, the short distance means neither country can ignore their neighbor.

History of Turkish-Syrian Relations

The Turkish Republic shares deep historical ties with Syria going back to when both were part of the Ottoman Empire that ruled the Middle East for centuries. After World War I, European powers took over the region before independence.

Turkey and Syria had generally friendly relations in the mid-20th century. But relations worsened after Syria invaded Turkish ally Hatay in the 1950s then backed Armenia against Azerbaijan in the 1990s. Turkey grew alarmed at Syria’s close ties with Russia and Iran.

In the 21st century, Turkey tried to mediate Syria’s civil war but ultimately backed rebels against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Conflict seemed inevitable given their proximity regardless of political alignments.

How the Terrain Shapes the Border Region

The mountainous terrain along the Syria-Turkey border has strategic significance. Heights allow for military surveillance while valleys and plateaus make troop movements difficult. Many areas are sparsely populated.

Major cities like Aleppo and Gaziantep often control small nearby border crossings for trade and transport. Smaller towns rely on local agriculture and commerce. Kurdish minorities have historic ties in the border region. Climate ranges from Mediterranean along the coast to semi-arid farther inland.

This rugged geography means both countries aim to control key routes between urban centers. The border region remains restive despite heavy military presence. Infrastructure like fences seek to control cross-border flows of people and goods.

Efforts to Reopen the Border Post-Conflict

Since the outbreak of Syria’s civil war in 2011, most border crossings between the nations remain closed. Some rebel-held crossings function informally. Turkish proposals exist to reopen the border when conflict ends.

In 2019, Turkey took control of Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ayn during an operation against Kurdish forces. Turkey envisions a safe zone in this area for Syrian refugee resettlement and for economic links to resume.

However, deep mistrust persists. Syria insists Turkey withdraw all troops for the border to normalize. Nevertheless, the countries’ proximity drives efforts to restore ties given the interdependence of border communities.

Geopolitical Issues Raised by the Syria-Turkey Border

The Syria-Turkey border poses challenges for security, geopolitics, energy pipelines and shared water resources in the Middle East. Issues include:

• Syrian Kurdish control of northern border areas concerns Turkey, which sees Kurds within its borders as security threats. Turkey has extended operations in Syria against Kurds.

• Millions of refugees in Turkey from Syria’s war strain resources. Turkey wants funding and conditions for organized repatriation.

• Syria’s relationships with Russia and Iran put Russian military forces near Turkey’s border. Turkey remains wary.

• Oil and gas pipelines from the Middle East run through Turkey and Syria. Instability disrupts energy flows.

• Dams in Turkey like Atatürk impact the Euphrates River’s flow into Syria, causing tensions over water rights.

Final Thoughts on Connected Neighbors

Despite a history of friendship and interdependence, proximity led Syria and Turkey into increased tensions and conflict in recent decades. While just 322 miles separate their capitals, the complexities of their relationship span centuries. Moving forward, both nations face challenges in balancing security concerns with the realities of geography. Whether their shared border becomes a bridge or barrier again remains to be seen. But the countries’ proximity ensures they will shape the region together.