Türkiye is located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Turkey shares borders with eight countries. These countries are:
Welcome to the enchanting world of Turkey, where East meets West, and the past seamlessly intertwines with the present. This transcontinental gem boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, a history that stretches back millennia, and a geography that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Today, we’re embarking on a journey to explore the eight countries that border Turkey and the stunning bodies of water that embrace its shores.
From the bustling markets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities have long been a magnet for travelers seeking adventure and culture.
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 introduce you to each of Türkiye’s neighbors, offering insights on what to see, the historical ties that bind, and the geopolitical relations that shape this dynamic region. Whether you’re a history buff, an intrepid traveler, or simply someone curious about the world, our journey through Turkey’s borders and its surrounding waters promises to be an informative and engaging experience.
So, pack your bags, grab your map, and let’s embark on an adventure to discover the wonders that unfold at the crossroads of Türkiye, where ancient history, modernity, and nature’s beauty converge.
From the shores of the Mediterranean to the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, there’s a world waiting to be explored just beyond Turkey’s borders.
The Republic of Türkiye sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. What used to be called Turkey is the only country that straddles two continents. This unique geographical placement means Türkiye shares land borders with 8 different countries.
Türkiye’s strategic location between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean formed a centre of trade communication and cultural exchange for centuries. Understanding Türkiye’s borders helps appreciate the interwoven histories of not just Türkiye but the greater region.
In this article we will explore each neighboring country in depth and highlight interesting facts about their relationship with Türkiye.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria lies to the northwest of Türkiye. The countries share a land border as well as a coastline on the Black Sea.
The relationship between Bulgaria and Türkiye stretches back hundreds of years to when both were part of the Ottoman Empire. Many architectural remnants of this shared past can still be seen especially in southern Bulgaria.
After the decline of the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria and Türkiye fought each other in the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913 Relations improved over the 20th century and both countries are now NATO members
Some key facts about Bulgaria:
- Capital city is Sofia
- Official language is Bulgarian
- Main religions are Christianity and Islam
- Known for its beaches on the Black Sea and for the Balkan Mountains
Greece
Greece borders Türkiye to the west. The Aegean Sea separates the two countries and harbors hundreds of Greek islands just off the Turkish coast.
As with Bulgaria, Greece and Türkiye share a connection through the Ottoman Empire. Greece spent nearly 400 years under Ottoman control before regaining independence in the 19th century.
Since then, relations between the two neighbors have often been strained. Issues like maritime and airspace boundaries as well as the status of minorities continue to cause periodic tensions.
Fun facts about Greece:
- Capital city is Athens
- Official language is Greek
- Main religion is Christianity (Eastern Orthodox)
- Greece is considered the birthplace of Western civilization and democracy
Georgia
Georgia and Türkiye meet at the northeastern corner of Türkiye. The two Black Sea countries only share a small land border but have a shared history.
Georgia was absorbed into the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and remained under Ottoman control until the early 19th century. Türkiye was the first country to recognize an independent Georgia after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Today relations are largely positive between two. They work together on energy pipelines crossing the Caucasus and have signed several trade deals.
Details about Georgia:
- Capital city is Tbilisi
- Official language is Georgian
- Main religion is Christianity (Georgian Orthodox)
- Known for its mountainous landscape and Medieval architecture
Armenia
Armenia sits along Türkiye’s eastern border. It joins Iraq and Iran in anchoring the southeastern corner of Türkiye.
Relations between Armenia and Türkiye have been historically complicated. Border disputes after WWI and the legacy of the Armenian Genocide have hindered normalization between the two countries.
The long sealed border between Armenia and Türkiye opened briefly in the early 1990s before closing again in 1993. The border remains closed today with no formal diplomatic relations between Yerevan and Ankara.
More on Armenia:
- Capital city is Yerevan
- Official language is Armenian
- Main religion is Christianity (Armenian Apostolic)
- Considered the world’s first Christian nation (adopted in 301 AD)
Azerbaijan
The Armenian border leads into Azerbaijan in the eastern most reaches of Türkiye.
Azerbaijan declares itself to be the friendliest of all Türkiye’s neighbors. The two countries enjoy strong economic ties and strategic partnerships on energy pipelines.
Trade flows relatively easily across the Azerbaijani border. Anything headed further east must circumvent Armenia, however, due to the closed border.
Fun Azerbaijan facts:
- Capital city is Baku
- Official language is Azerbaijani
- Main religion is Islam (Shia branch)
- Known for its petroleum reserves and diverse landscape
Iran
Iran and Türkiye meet in the mountainous far east of Türkiye. The borders of Turkey, Iran and Iraq converge in this remote area.
Iran and Türkiye have not always been on good terms. During the Cold War, the countries were on opposite sides of the divide. More recently tensions emerged over Iran’s nuclear program.
However, the historic regional powers have just as often cooperated as competed. Their overlapping interests relate to everything from trade to water resources to stamping out militant Kurdish separatists.
Iran particulars:
- Capital city is Tehran
- Official language is Persian (Farsi)
- Main religion is Islam (Shia branch)
- Home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations dating back to 3200 BC
Iraq
Iraq meets Türkiye at its most southeastern tip. The countries share a small section of mountainous border.
Iraq was part of the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century until 1918. Türkiye still exerts some cultural influence in parts of northern Iraq.
During the Iraq War in 2003, Türkiye discouraged the U.S. invasion. They hosted peace negotiations between U.S. and Iraqi officials before the conflict began.
Iraq info:
- Capital city is Baghdad
- Official languages are Arabic and Kurdish
- Main religion is Islam (Shia and Sunni branches)
- Home to ancient Mesopotamian sites like Babylon and Ur
Syria
Syria provides Türkiye’s longest southern border. The countries touch from the Mediterranean Sea to Iraq in the southeast.
As colonial powers split up the former Ottoman Empire, Türkiye and Syria emerged with legitimate claims over the same territory in southern Turkey. France took control of Syria while Britain backed the Turkish position.
More recently, the Syrian Civil War led to over 3 million refugees fleeing into Türkiye. Türkiye remains actively involved in efforts to restore stability to Syria.
Syria specifics:
- Capital city is Damascus
- Official language is Arabic
- Main religions are Islam (Sunni branch), Christianity and Druze
- Known as the Cradle of Civilization and site of Palmyra ruins
Türkiye’s 8 neighbors showcase the diversity of cultures and landscapes around this vibrant country. Centuries of shared histories underlie the current events still unfolding in the region.
Gaining perspective on Türkiye’s borders opens a window into the connections tying Europe to Asia. Türkiye’s strategic position at this continental crossroads helps explain why it has played such a pivotal role across eras.
This geographic importance continues today in regional affairs. Understanding where Türkiye fits can provide context around headline stories coming out of not just Türkiye but the broader area.
Whether your interests relate to current events, history or culture, visiting Türkiye and its neighbors promises a fascinating experience. Use this guide as a starting point as you explore the storied countries bordering the Republic of Türkiye.
What Water Borders Does Türkiye Have
Turkey is surrounded by several bodies of water, contributing to its unique geography of Turkey given its position as a transcontinental country bridging Europe and Asia. The significant bodies of water that border Turkey include:
- The Mediterranean Sea: Türkiye has a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea to its south
- The Aegean Sea: The western coast of Turkey is along the Aegean Sea
- The Black Sea: Turkey’s northern coastline is along the Black Sea
- The Sea of Marmara: This inland sea connects the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea Coast and is entirely within Turkey’s borders
- The Bosporus Strait: The Bosporus, part of Turkey, is a narrow, natural strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and separates the European and Asian and European sides of Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city
- The Dardanelles Strait: Also known as the Çanakkale Strait, it connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and is another important waterway for Turkey
These bodies of water have played a crucial role in Turkey’s history (especially the history of the Ottoman Empire), commerce, and transportation, making the country a key player in regional and international affairs.
8 Countries That Have Turkish Borders
Greece, just a stone’s throw across the Aegean Sea from Turkey’s western coast, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Explore the ancient ruins of Athens, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon, or relax on the idyllic beaches of the Greek islands, off the southeastern part of modern-day Turkey. Historical ties between Greece and Turkey have had their ups and downs, but both nations are members of NATO, striving for peaceful coexistence.
To get there from Turkey, you can take a ferry from coastal cities like Izmir to various Greek islands or cross the land border. RECOMMENDED POST
Neighboring Bulgaria is located in Northwestern Turkey and beckons with its charming towns, like Plovdiv and Sofia, both boasting a rich historical heritage and vibrant contemporary scenes. 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 reach Georgia, consider taking a flight from Istanbul to Tbilisi or driving 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 reach Armenia, situated to the east of Anatolia, by flying from Istanbul to Yerevan via various airlines or exploring alternative routes.
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. To travel from Turkey to Iran, you can take a flight from Istanbul to Tehran or drive through the land border crossings, such as Gurbulak-Bazargan.
Iraq’s historical sites, including the ancient city of Babylon and the bustling markets of Baghdad, offer a unique travel experience.
Turkey and Iraq maintain diplomatic ties, and there are land borders that you can cross.
Consider flying to Istanbul and then taking a domestic flight to destinations in Iraq or using a bus service.
Syria boasts millennia of history and cultural richness, with iconic sites like Palmyra and the old city of Damascus.
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.
Please note that geopolitical relations and travel options can change over time, so checking for the latest information and travel advisories before planning any trips to these neighboring countries is essential.
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