Turkey is geographically, politically and officially part of two continents Europe and Asia. The smaller northwestern portion is part of Europe, while the larger portion is part of Asia.
GEOGRAPHY OF TURKEY
Turkey occupies a rectangular shaped peninsula of land at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa; home to countless civilizations and a crossing point between the continents over several ages.
A vast country 814.578 square kilometres or 314.510 square metres in area with a beautiful coastline stretching 8333 km.
Turkey is situated on two continents, 3% in Europe (Thrace) and the remainder of the landmass, including Anatolia, in Asia and Istanbul is the only city in the world straddled on two continents, separated by the Bosphorus strait, which runs from the Black Sea through Istanbul and into the inland Sea of Marmara which flows through the Dardanelles and out to the Aegean.
LAKES AND RIVERS
Turkey has large number of lakes; most notable is Lake Van, the largest natural lake, covering as much area as an inland sea. Dam lakes are also a common site in Turkey. The country’s longest river is the Kizilirmak, which flows into the Black Sea. The Euphrates and Tigris both originate in Turkey, flow through other countries before reaching the Persian Gulf.
REGIONS
Turkey is separated into seven geographical regions, which are, in order of size: Eastern Anatolia, Central Anatolia, Black Sea, Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara and Southeastern Anatolia.
LANDSCAPES
Turkey is bordered to the north by the Black Sea, to the west by the Sea of Marmara and Aegean and to the south by the Mediterranean. Due to its position and the fact that Turkey is at the meeting point of three different climatic zones, it is home to a tremendous variety of landscapes and plants so being a paradise for travelers and naturalists.
There are dense forests in the northern Black Sea and the southern Mediterranean regions, coastal plains on the western Aegean; mountain pastures inland, deserts to the southeast and lakes throughout the country.
COASTLINE
You will find the beaches of Turkey to be some of the most beautiful in the world. It is along these long shores where you there are so many great beaches to choose from.
There are great places to sunbathe, all within the scenery of the Aegean, Mediterranean, or Black Sea Coast. Each has something to offer and are a unique blend of history, natural wonder, culinary variety.
