Where is Turkey Located?

Where is Turkey located on the map? Turkey is an independent nation located in Western Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Turkey on maps.

Turkey Location Map

Turkey Location in World Map

Turkey has a special location because the country stretches from Europe to Asia. So the country belongs to both continents. Most of Turkey, around 97 percent of the total area, is on the Asian continent, the remaining three percent on the European. The border of the continents runs right through the city of Istanbul.

You can find a lot of water around the country. In the north lies the Black Sea, in the west lies the Aegean Sea and in the south the Mediterranean Sea. The part of the Turkish border that borders on water is longer than that on land mass: namely 7200 kilometers. The land border has a total length of only 2648 kilometers.

In the northwest, Turkey borders on Greece and Bulgaria. Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are in the northeast and Iran in the east. Iraq and Syria border Turkey in the south.

Here you can see a map of the national territory of Turkey.

Location Information of Turkey

Turkey is a transcontinental country strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, bordered by eight countries and surrounded by three different seas. It has a rich historical and cultural heritage, shaped by its unique position between continents and civilizations. The country is known for its ancient ruins, vibrant cities, diverse landscapes, and complex political and cultural identity.

Latitude and Longitude

Turkey is situated between 36° and 42° North latitude and 26° and 45° East longitude. Its location spans across two continents: most of the country lies in Asia, while a smaller portion, including the capital city Istanbul, is located in Europe. The Bosporus Strait divides the European and Asian parts of Turkey.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Ankara

Ankara, located in the central part of Turkey, is the country’s capital city. It is situated at approximately 39.9334° N, 32.8597° E. Although it is not as famous as Istanbul, Ankara plays a crucial role as the political, administrative, and cultural center of the country. It has a population of about 5.1 million people and is known for its government buildings, universities, and historical sites.

Key features of Ankara include:

  • Ankara Castle: A historical fortress providing a panoramic view of the city.
  • Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir): A monumental complex dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
  • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: A museum that showcases Turkey’s rich history, from the Paleolithic to the Roman period.

Major Cities

  • Istanbul: Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and a major cultural and financial hub. Located at the junction of the Bosphorus Strait, it is one of the few cities in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. Istanbul has a population of around 15.5 million people and is famous for its historic sites, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. The city’s latitude is 41.0082° N, 28.9784° E.
  • Izmir: Located on the Aegean Sea coast, Izmir is a major port city in western Turkey. It is a center of trade and industry and has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. With a population of approximately 4.4 million, Izmir is known for its beautiful coastline, Konak Square, and the nearby Ephesus ruins. The city lies at 38.4192° N, 27.1287° E.
  • Bursa: Located in the northwest of Turkey, Bursa is one of the country’s oldest industrial cities. It is known for its silk production, automotive industry, and proximity to the Uludağ National Park. With a population of about 3 million, Bursa is located at 40.1950° N, 29.0608° E.
  • Antalya: Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is a major tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and vibrant cultural scene. The city’s latitude is 36.8841° N, 30.7056° E, and it is home to around 2.5 million people.
  • Adana: Located in the southern part of Turkey, Adana is known for its agricultural activities, particularly in cotton production, as well as its delicious cuisine. It is also a major commercial hub in the Cilicia Plain. The city’s coordinates are 37.0° N, 35.3213° E.

Time Zone

Turkey follows Turkey Time (TRT), which is UTC +3:00 year-round. Unlike many countries in Europe and the Middle East, Turkey does not observe Daylight Saving Time. As a result, Turkey remains on the same time zone throughout the year, making it easier for both locals and visitors to manage time differences.

  • Time difference with New York City: During Eastern Standard Time (EST), Turkey is 8 hours ahead of New York City, and during Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Turkey is 7 hours ahead.
  • Time difference with Los Angeles: During Pacific Standard Time (PST), Turkey is 11 hours ahead of Los Angeles, and during Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), Turkey is 10 hours ahead.

Climate

Turkey has a diverse climate that ranges from Mediterranean in the west and south to continental in the interior and northeast. The Aegean, Marmara, and Mediterranean regions enjoy a Mediterranean climate, while the central Anatolian plateau experiences more continental conditions. The country’s mountainous areas have a more alpine climate.

  • Mediterranean Climate (Coastal regions): In cities like Antalya and Izmir, the climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Temperatures during summer often exceed 30°C (86°F), while winters range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
  • Continental Climate (Interior regions): Cities like Ankara and Konya experience hot, dry summers and cold winters, with temperatures dropping below -5°C (23°F) during the winter months. Summer temperatures can reach over 35°C (95°F).
  • Black Sea Climate (Northern regions): The northern coastal areas of Trabzon and Samsun have a humid, temperate climate, with high levels of rainfall throughout the year and moderate temperatures. Summer temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while winters are mild but wet.

Economic Status

Turkey has a mixed economy that combines elements of a free market with significant state involvement. The country is classified as an upper-middle-income economy and has a diversified industrial base, though it still faces challenges related to inflation, unemployment, and political instability.

Key Sectors of the Economy:

  • Agriculture: Turkey is a major producer of agricultural products, including fruits (such as apples, cherries, and grapes), vegetables (like tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants), and cotton. Agriculture still employs a significant portion of the population, especially in rural areas.
  • Industry and Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is diverse, with major industries including automobiles, textiles, electronics, construction, and steel production. Cities like Istanbul and Bursa are central to the country’s industrial output.
  • Tourism: Turkey is one of the world’s most visited countries, attracting millions of tourists each year to its beaches, historical sites, and cultural attractions. The tourism sector contributes significantly to the economy, particularly in cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia.
  • Energy: Turkey has a growing energy sector, with a focus on natural gas, hydropower, and renewable energy sources. Despite its dependence on energy imports, Turkey is working to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Finance and Trade: The country is an important hub for trade between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Major exports include automobiles, machinery, electronics, and textiles. Turkey has also made efforts to integrate itself more into the global financial system.

Tourist Attractions

Turkey is home to a wide range of tourist attractions, from ancient ruins and historical landmarks to stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cities. Some of the most popular destinations include:

1. Istanbul’s Historic Sites

Istanbul, one of the world’s most unique cities, is famous for its historical landmarks, such as:

  • Hagia Sophia: Originally a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum, it is one of the most iconic architectural wonders in the world.
  • Topkapi Palace: The lavish palace of Ottoman sultans, now a museum displaying imperial collections.
  • Blue Mosque: A stunning mosque known for its grand architecture and blue tiles.

2. Cappadocia

Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is famous for its unique rock formations, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides over the surreal landscape. Visitors can explore Goreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli.

3. Pamukkale

Pamukkale, located in southwestern Turkey, is known for its thermal mineral waters that have created striking white terraces. It is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. Ephesus

Ephesus, an ancient city on the Aegean coast, is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis. Visitors can also see the well-preserved Roman Theater, Celsus Library, and the House of the Virgin Mary.

5. Antalya and the Turkish Riviera

Antalya is known for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant nightlife. It is the center of Turkey’s tourism industry and offers easy access to popular sites like Termessos, Perge, and Aspendos.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens wishing to travel to Turkey for tourism or business purposes must obtain a visa. Fortunately, U.S. travelers can apply for an e-visa online before their trip. The e-visa allows for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The application process is straightforward, requiring basic personal information, passport details, and payment of the visa fee.

  • Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Turkey.
  • Visa Types: There are various visa types, including tourist visas, business visas, and student visas. For longer stays, such as work or study, additional documentation may be required.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

  • Distance from Istanbul to New York City: Approximately 7,500 km (4,660 miles), with a flight time of about 9-11 hours.
  • Distance from Istanbul to Los Angeles: Approximately 10,000 km (6,200 miles), with a flight time of about 12-14 hours.

Turkey Facts

Size 783,562 km²
Residents 83.4 million
Language Turkish
Capital Ankara
Longest river Kizilirmak (1,355 km)
Highest mountain Ararat (5,137 m)
Currency Turkish lira