Is Morocco Near Turkey? Exploring the Proximity and Relationship Between These Two Fascinating Countries

Morocco and Turkey may seem worlds apart, but these two countries actually have a close geographic and historical relationship. Located at the intersection of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East Morocco and Turkey have been centers of trade culture, and religion for centuries. But exactly how close are they? And what connections bind these diverse nations together? Let’s take a closer look.

The Geographic Proximity Between Morocco and Turkey

Morocco is located in North Africa, with coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital and largest city is Rabat. Turkey straddles both Europe and Asia, with territory on the Anatolian peninsula and Eastern Thrace. Its largest city and economic hub is Istanbul.

At their closest point, Morocco and Turkey are separated by approximately 3,484 km (2,164 miles) across the Mediterranean Sea. This is roughly the distance from Los Angeles to New York City. For two countries on different continents, this is actually quite close. It’s easy to travel between them by plane or ferry.

In fact, you can reach Morocco from Turkey in just 3 hours of flight time. Daily ferries also connect Morocco and Turkey via connections in Spain, Italy, and Greece. So while not sharing a land border, the countries are very accessible to one another.

Cultural and Historical Ties Between the Two Nations

Beyond proximity Morocco and Turkey also share deep cultural and historical connections. Both have been shaped by diverse influences from Mediterranean African, Arab, and European civilizations. This is reflected in the food, architecture, language, and traditions of each country.

As centers of power and trade, the Ottoman Empire and successive Moroccan kingdoms interacted extensively between the 16th and early 20th centuries. Turkey exerted political influence and built economic ties with the Moroccan sultanates. Many Turks settled in Morocco during this time.

The famous Moroccan city Casablanca derives its name from Portuguese combining casa (house) and blanca (white) based on the whitewashed Old Medina dating to the Ottoman era. Food also echoes the Turkish-Moroccan exchanges, with dishes like couscous taking on new flavors and forms. Shared Islamic cultural heritage is another source of kinship between the nations.

Modern Political and Economic Relations

Despite periods of tension, Turkey and Morocco maintain active diplomatic ties today as strategic partners in the region. Turkey has an embassy in Rabat, and Morocco keeps one in Ankara. The countries signed multiple bilateral agreements in recent decades, spurring stronger commercial bonds in areas like trade, tourism, and technology.

High-level state visits, including trips by the Turkish President Erdogan to Morocco in 2003, 2008, and 2022, demonstrate the continuing cooperation. As import partners and fellow members of international bodies like the United Nations, this relationship will likely keep growing.

Tourism and Travel Connections

From the deserts and mosques of Marrakech to the bazaars and palaces of Istanbul, Morocco and Turkey are two of the most visited countries in their respective regions. This drives further travel and tourism between them.

Many Turkish Airlines flights connect major cities in Turkey and Morocco. Turkish resort towns like Antalya are popular vacation destinations for Moroccan tourists. Given the proximity and flight options, it’s fairly easy for residents of either country to explore the other as tourists or to form personal ties.

Should You Visit One or Both Countries?

If you’re planning an Eastern Mediterranean trip, visiting both Morocco and Turkey offers the chance to experience the full range of the region’s richness. With distinct landscapes, highlights, and cultures, each delivers its own unique flair.

Of course, limited time and budgets may mean picking one over the other. As outlined above, Morocco excels in exotic desert scenery, winding medieval souks, and vibrant Atlantic coastlines. Turkey claims highlights like the kaleidoscope cityscapes of Istanbul, cave-riddled Cappadocia, and ancient Hellenistic ruins. You really can’t go wrong with either.

Given the relatively short distance and flight times separating them, some travelers opt to tour both on a longer Eastern Mediterranean itinerary. This allows you to immerse in distinct local cultures, sample new cuisines, and witness different landscapes – all without venturing too far from port.

So while not sharing a direct border, Morocco and Turkey turn out to be surprisingly close neighbors bound by geography, history, and culture. Just a short 3-4 hour flight apart, visiting both in a single trip is feasible for many travelers.

If forced to pick between them, weigh your interests in desert trekking, labyrinthine medinas, and Atlantic coastlines vs sprawling Ottoman palaces, soaring minarets, and cave dwellings before you decide. But their proximity means that if your schedule allows, you can experience the best of both worlds.