Where is Turkey Located?

Quck answer

Turkey, officially known as the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by eight countries, including Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, and Iraq and Syria to the southeast. Turkey is surrounded by three major bodies of water: the Black Sea to the north, the Aegean Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. With its rich history, diverse culture, and strategic location, Turkey serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia.

---

Each year during Thanksgiving, people’s thoughts are consumed by one thing: turkey. Yes, that delicious bird — and all its accompaniments — occupies our minds until it’s time to feast.

But what about the other Turkey? You know the one. The Turkey with a capital “T.” What are we referring to? The country Turkey, of course!

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to learn about Turkey. How much do you know about Turkey? To start, take a look at this world map with Turkey highlighted to get an idea of its exact location.

Officially known as the Republic of Turkey, Turkey is a fascinating place from a geographical perspective. It is situated in both Western Asia and Southeastern Europe, and it shares borders with eight countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.

In terms of land area, it ranks as the 37th largest country in the world. It is also surrounded by several significant bodies of water, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Black Sea. The Turkish Straits (composed of the Straits of Bosphorus and the Dardanelles) and the Sea of Marmara also serve as the boundary between the continents of Europe and Asia. The majority of Turkey (97%) is located in Asia.

The majority of people in Turkey practice Islam, and the official language of the country is Turkish. The Turks first migrated to the region in the 11th century. The name “Turkey” originates from the Medieval Latin word Turchia, which means “Land of the Turks.”

Starting in the 13th century, the entire area was part of the expansive Ottoman Empire, which eventually collapsed after being defeated in World War I. Following a period of occupation by the victorious Allies, the modern Republic of Turkey was established in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who successfully resisted the Allies.

Today, Turkey is a popular destination for tourists due to its location, natural beauty, and historical and archaeological sites. With access to seas and beaches and long summers, Turkey is an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation.

Mountain climbers, hikers, and skiers can also find numerous places to enjoy among Turkey’s mountain ranges. Religious visitors often come to see sites associated with the various world religions that intersect in Turkey, particularly Islam and Christianity. For instance, Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest peak, is believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark.

Give It a Try

Enlist the help of a friend or family member for these activities!

• If you had the opportunity to visit Turkey, where would you like to go? Considering its history, Istanbul would be a natural choice. Of course, Turkey offers many other exciting areas as well.
• Go online and visit Go Turkey. Click on the Destinations tab at the top right of the page. You will find a list of cities in the dropdown menu. Explore the cities to learn more about them.
• Examine the cities on a map of Turkey. Based on the information you gather, plan a trip to Turkey that you think would be fantastic. Feel free to print out the map of Turkey, as well as pictures of the sites in the cities you wish to visit, to create a beautiful trip planner that you can share with your friends and family!

FAQ

1. Where is Turkey located?

Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by eight countries, including Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, and shares maritime borders with Cyprus.

2. Which continent is Turkey a part of?

Turkey is considered to be a transcontinental country, as it is located in both Asia and Europe. The majority of its land area lies in Asia, while a small portion of its territory, known as Eastern Thrace, is situated in Europe.

3. What are the neighboring countries of Turkey?

Turkey shares borders with eight countries. To the northwest, it is bordered by Greece and Bulgaria. To the northeast, it shares a border with Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. To the east, it is bordered by Iran. To the south, it shares borders with Iraq and Syria. Additionally, Turkey has maritime borders with Cyprus.

4. What is the capital city of Turkey?

The capital city of Turkey is Ankara. It is located in the central part of the country and serves as the administrative, political, and commercial center of Turkey.

5. Which seas surround Turkey?

Turkey is surrounded by several seas. To the north, it is bordered by the Black Sea. To the west, it is surrounded by the Aegean Sea. To the south, it is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea.

6. What is the size of Turkey compared to other countries?

Turkey is a large country, spanning an area of approximately 783,356 square kilometers. In terms of land area, it is larger than countries like Egypt, South Africa, and France. However, when compared to Russia, Canada, and China, it is relatively smaller.