How Far is Israel from Turkey? Exploring the Distance Between the Two Countries

Israel and Turkey are two neighboring countries in the Middle East region with a complex history of diplomatic relations. The distance between the two countries plays an influential role in shaping their bilateral ties. In this article, we will analyze the geography of Israel and Turkey, calculate the distance between them through various routes, and understand the factors impacting their proximity.

An Overview of Israel’s and Turkey’s Geography

Israel is situated along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Lebanon to the north, Syria and Jordan to the east, Egypt to the southwest, and the Gaza Strip and the West Bank to the east. Israel’s total area is approximately 8,550 square miles.

Turkey, on the other hand, is a transcontinental nation with territories in both Europe and Asia. Turkey shares its borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and the autonomous region of Nakhchivan to the east, Iraq and Syria to the southeast. In total, Turkey spans over 302,535 square miles of area.

Calculating the Distance from Israel to Turkey

The distance between Israel and Turkey primarily depends on the specific cities or regions being measured. However, the shortest distance between Israel and Turkey is approximately 580 miles if measured from Jerusalem to Ankara The main factors impacting the distance are

Air Distance

The air distance between Tel Aviv and Istanbul is around 1,030 miles or 1,280 km. A direct flight between the two cities takes around 2 hours to cover this distance. The air travel route passes over Cyprus.

Land Distance

Currently there is no active land crossing between Israel and Turkey due to regional instabilities. The road distance traversing Syria is around 932 miles. But this route is not advisable currently.

Sea Distance

The sea route between the ports of Haifa and Iskenderun is approximately 1,151 km or 715 miles. But congested ship traffic makes sea travel time consuming between Israel and Turkey.

Factors Impacting the Distance Between Israel and Turkey

Several geographical, political, and diplomatic factors directly impact the distance between Israel and Turkey:

• The Mediterranean Sea separates the two countries, forcing dependence on air travel.

• Regional conflicts and political instability in Syria, Iraq disrupts direct land access between Israel and Turkey.

• Cyprus’s location between the two countries leads to longer distance and time for travel.

• Diplomatic relations between Israel, Turkey, Cyprus affect accessibility between the two countries.

• Mountainous terrain increases land distance and obstructs direct access.

Historical Relations Between Israel and Turkey

Israel and Turkey have a long history of diplomatic ties formalized in 1949. Turkey was the first Muslim majority nation to recognize Israel. But relations have fluctuated over issues like the Palestinian crisis.

Key events impacting Israel-Turkey relations:

• 1949 – Formal diplomatic relations established

• 1950s-1990s – Strong military and economic ties

• 1974 – Turkey suspended ties during Cyprus crisis

• 1996 – Military cooperation pact signed

• 2008 – Turkey mediates Israel-Syria talks

• 2010 – Relations worsen after Gaza flotilla incident

• 2016 – Reconciliation deal signed but ties remain fragile

Current Relations Between the Two Countries

Currently, Israel and Turkey maintain full diplomatic relations and have embassies in each other’s capitals. But the ties remain delicate.

• Bilateral trade is around $6 billion annually, with Israel’s exports to Turkey exceeding $3.5 billion.

• Over 200,000 Israeli tourists visit Turkey every year.

• Turkey has criticized Israel’s policies regarding Palestinians but has engaged in back-channel talks.

• Regional geopolitics, Cyprus dispute, Syrian crisis prevents complete normalization of ties.

• Defense industry cooperation halted due to diplomatic tensions.

Importance of the Distance Between Israel and Turkey

The Israel-Turkey distance has profound implications on the two countries’ bilateral relations:

• It impacts travel time and connectivity between the countries via air, land or sea routes.

• Regional instability increases the distance via land routes, forcing dependence on air links.

• Longer distance reduces people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties.

• Trade and economic partnerships are affected by ease of access between the two countries.

• Diplomatic warmth and political alignments influence the feasibility of travel and security of transit routes.

Traveling from Israel to Turkey

Despite complex relations, it is relatively easy for Israelis to travel to Turkey. The most convenient option is flying directly between Tel Aviv and Istanbul or other Turkish airports. Alternately, Israelis can transit via Cyprus or Jordan. It is not advisable to travel via Syria or Lebanon due to security risks.

Israelis need to apply for an electronic visa in advance to travel to Turkey. The visa costs $30 and can be obtained online within three working days. COVID-19 related restrictions may also be in place.

The distance between Israel and Turkey is impacted by the geographical barrier of the Mediterranean Sea, regional conflicts, and fluctuating diplomatic alignments. However, the two countries remain important partners with deep economic, cultural, and strategic ties. Ease of travel has a significant influence in strengthening their bilateral relationship. The future course of their associations will depend on geopolitical developments and diplomatic rapprochement between the two regional powers.