Understanding the Proximity Between Syria and Turkey

Syria and Turkey share a long land border that stretches over 500 miles. This close geographic proximity has shaped the history and relations between the two countries in profound ways.

A Look at the Syria-Turkey Border

The border between Syria and Turkey runs for approximately 911 km (566 miles) from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the tripoint border with Iraq in the east

Some key facts about the Syria-Turkey border

• It crosses Upper Mesopotamia for around 400 km (250 miles), traversing the Euphrates River and reaching the Tigris River.

• Much of the border follows the route of the Baghdad Railway line constructed in the early 20th century.

• In the west, the border nearly surrounds Turkey’s Hatay Province, which juts into Syrian territory.

• The two countries share seven border crossings, though some are currently closed due to the Syrian Civil War.

• Mountain ranges like the Nur Mountains along the northern section affect transportation routes between the countries.

• The border region includes important cities like Aleppo, Kobani, Tell Abyad, and Qamishli on the Syrian side.

This lengthy shared border means Syria and Turkey are separated by only a relatively narrow strip of land. At some border points, Syrian and Turkish towns sit directly across from each other.

A History of Close ties

Syria and Turkey’s proximity has entangled their histories for centuries. Both regions were part of the Ottoman Empire until its dissolution after World War I.

Some key events relating to the Syria-Turkey border region:

• The border was defined in its current form largely by treaties in the 1920s and 30s.

• Hatay Province was incorporated into Turkey from Syria in 1939. Syria still disputes this territorial loss.

• Tensions have flared across the border during the Syrian Civil War, with Turkey hosting millions of Syrian refugees.

• Turkey has constructed sections of a border wall and buffer zone within Syria for security purposes.

The two countries share cultural and linguistic ties spanning back centuries. And family and trade networks frequently cross the Syria-Turkey divide.

Modern Border Tensions

In recent years, the Syria-Turkey border has been a flashpoint amidst the ongoing Syrian conflict.

• Turkey sees Kurdish militant groups in northern Syria as a threat and has launched military operations across the border.

• Syrian government troops and Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have periodically clashed in border areas.

• Millions of Syrian refugees have crossed into Turkey, with some camps set up along the border.

• Turkey is building a border wall to stop infiltration and smuggling through border areas in Syria’s Idlib province.

While the two nations share deep-rooted connections, the border region remains a complex friction point as Turkey closely monitors the dynamics of the Syrian war.

Syria and Turkey’s geographic proximity has been an important historical factor that persists today. Their shared 566 mile overland border facilitates cross-border interactions and movements of people, while also contributing to periodic tensions and conflicts. The ebb and flow of their border relations continues to evolve within the greater complexities of the ongoing civil war in Syria.