Countries Bordering Turkey on the Map

Turkey, a nation straddling two continents and boasting a rich history dating back millennia, shares its borders with eight distinct countries, each contributing to its cultural, economic, and geopolitical landscape. These neighboring nations play a significant role in shaping Turkey’s regional dynamics, fostering both cooperation and occasional challenges.

Let’s take a closer look at the countries that border Turkey with their unique characteristics.

Greece

Turkey shares a 212-kilometer border with Greece in the northwest. This border is mainly defined by the Evros River, marking a significant point of contact between the two nations. Greece and Turkey have a long history of interactions, ranging from ancient rivalries to modern diplomatic relations, often influenced by geopolitical dynamics and territorial disputes.

Bulgaria

To the northwest, Turkey shares a 269-kilometer border with Bulgaria. The border is primarily land-based, traversing diverse terrains from mountains to plains. Despite occasional tensions, Bulgaria and Turkey maintain diplomatic relations and cooperate on various regional issues, including trade and security.

Georgia

Turkey’s northeastern border spans 252 kilometers with Georgia, marking a crucial juncture between Europe and Asia. The border between Turkey and Georgia reflects shared historical ties and cultural exchanges, with both nations playing significant roles in regional politics and trade.

Armenia

In the east, Turkey shares a 268-kilometer border with Armenia. This border is notable for its historical and political significance, marked by the legacy of the Armenian genocide and ongoing disputes over territorial claims and recognition of historical events.

Azerbaijan

A brief 9-kilometer border connects Turkey with Azerbaijan, highlighting their cultural and historical ties, particularly with the Turkic peoples. The close relationship between Turkey and Azerbaijan is further strengthened by shared linguistic and ethnic affinities, as well as strategic cooperation in energy and transportation projects.

Iran

To the southeast, Turkey’s border with Iran stretches 499 kilometers, spanning mountainous regions and serving as a key link between the Middle East and Eurasia. Despite occasional tensions, Turkey and Iran maintain diplomatic relations and collaborate on various regional issues, including trade, energy, and security.

Iraq

Turkey shares a 331-kilometer border with Iraq to the south, traversing diverse landscapes and impacting regional dynamics. The border between Turkey and Iraq has been a focal point of geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Kurdish populations and cross-border security challenges.

Syria

Turkey’s southern border with Syria extends 899 kilometers, marking a crucial frontier amid regional conflicts and geopolitical interests. The border between Turkey and Syria has been a hotspot of instability, with Turkey playing a significant role in the Syrian civil war and hosting millions of Syrian refugees.

Turkey is a transcontinental country that connects Europe and Asia. It shares borders with eight countries, each contributing to its cultural tapestry and geopolitical significance. In this article, we will learn about the countries that border Turkey, along with some essential information about each of them.