Geography and Landscapes of Turkey

Published on October 5, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Located at the crossroads of continents, between Europe and Asia, Turkey never ceases to fascinate with its exceptional geographical diversity. Bordered by four seas, including the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, it offers a rich and varied landscape ranging from sunny beaches to the majestic Taurus Mountains.

This natural diversity is also reflected in its climate, which oscillates between Mediterranean and continental influences, thus offering a multitude of microclimates conducive to impressive ecological diversity.

From the famous Pontic Mountains to the vast plains of Anatolia, through the volcanic regions of Cappadocia, every corner of this country holds natural and historical treasures waiting to be discovered.

Geographical Location of Turkey

Turkey is a transcontinental country located at the junction of Europe and Asia, mainly occupying the Anatolian peninsula (Western Asia) and, to a lesser extent, the Eastern Thrace region (Southeastern Europe). Its central coordinates are approximately 39° N, 35° E.

Border Countries	Border Length (km)
Greece	206
Bulgaria	240
Georgia	252
Armenia	268
Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan)	9
Iran	499
Iraq	331
Syria	822

The territory is bordered by three seas:

• Black Sea to the north
• Aegean Sea to the west
• Mediterranean Sea to the south

The country has a coastline of 7,200 km, also including the Sea of Marmara, which connects the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea, and several coastal islands.

Turkey’s location at the crossroads of two continents makes it a strategic point for trade, military, and cultural exchanges. This role is reinforced by the presence of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, essential maritime passages connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and separating Europe from Asia. These straits are of major geopolitical importance for controlling maritime and energy traffic.

Topography of Turkey

Turkey’s topography is highly varied:

• Mountains: Taurus Mountains in the south, Pontic Mountains in the north, Eastern Anatolian Massif in the east (Mount Ararat, highest point at 5,137 m)
• Plateaus: The central Anatolian plateau, characterized by moderate altitudes and a continental climate
• Plains: Fertile coastal plains, particularly around the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea
• Lakes: The largest lake is Lake Van, located in the east

Type of Relief	Notable Examples
Mountains	Taurus, Pontic, Ararat
Plateaus	Anatolian Plateau
Plains	Aegean, Mediterranean Coasts
Lakes	Lake Van

Geographical Points of Interest

Geographical points of interest:

• Bosphorus and Dardanelles: Strategic straits separating Europe and Asia, essential for international trade
• Mount Ararat: Highest peak, iconic site
• Turquoise Coast: Southwestern coastline, famous for its beaches and archaeological sites

Influences on Climate, Culture, and Economy

Influences on climate, culture, and economy:

• The mountainous terrain creates highly contrasting climates between the coasts (mild Mediterranean) and the interior (continental, harsh winters).
• The crossroads position fosters great cultural richness, reflecting European, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences.
• The straits and extensive coastline boost the maritime economy (ports, fishing, tourism) and facilitate global trade exchanges.
• The fertile plains support agriculture, while the mountains contain mineral resources.

Boxed Summary:
Turkey, straddling Europe and Asia, possesses a varied and strategic geography: mountains, plateaus, plains, and major straits. This diversity influences its climate, cosmopolitan culture, and dynamic economy, making it an essential crossroads between East and West.

Main Regions of Turkey

Region	Location	Geographical Features	Natural Resources & Climate	Major Cities	Cultural/Economic Specificities & Notable Facts
Marmara Region	Northwest, between Europe and Asia, around the Sea of Marmara	Fertile plain, low hills; Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits	Temperate climate; varied agriculture (vines, fruits), developed industry	Istanbul, Bursa, Edirne	Historic crossroads between Europe and Asia. Strong urbanization. Istanbul is the country’s largest city.
Aegean Region	Western part of the country along the Aegean coast	Indented coastline with gulfs and fertile coastal plains	Mild Mediterranean climate; olives, tobacco, cotton	Izmir, Manisa	Strong ancient Greek influence; developed beach tourism (Ephesus). Cuisine based on olive oil.
Mediterranean Region	Southern part bordering the Mediterranean	Narrow coastal strips backed by the Taurus massif	Hot and dry summer climate; abundant citrus fruits	Antalya, Mersin	Major tourist destination thanks to its beaches. Dynamic agricultural culture (tropical fruits).
Central Anatolia	Center of the Anatolian plateau	Semi-arid vastness punctuated by steppes; high altitude	Low rainfall; dominant wheat; livestock	Ankara (capital), Konya	Cradle of Hittite/Phrygian civilizations; political capital; persistent equestrian traditions.
Eastern Anatolia	Mountainous east	Rugged relief: highest peaks including Mount Ararat (5,137 m), numerous lakes including Van	Harsh climates: very cold winters; significant mineral resources	Erzurum, Van	Marked ethnic diversity (notably Kurds); strong pastoral traditions; less densely populated region.
Southeastern Anatolia	Southeast near borders with Syria/Iraq/Iran/Azerbaijan/Nakhchivan	Plateaus cut by deep Euphrates/Tigris valleys; hot summer continental climate, dry	Wheat/cereals/cotton; oil/natural gas present	Gaziantep, Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa	Important culinary tradition; Neolithic cradle Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Black Sea Region	North along the Pontic coast	Mountain range parallel to the coast covered with dense forests; steep valleys towards the sea	Humid oceanic climate year-round: tea/hazelnut/tobacco	Trabzon, Samsun	Distinctive folk music richness; influential Laz/Rize population.

General Characteristics of Turkey

• Turkey is distinguished by its geographical transition between Europe and Asia: approximately 97% in Asian Anatolia versus only 3% in European Thrace.
• Each region has its own cultural identity stemming from multiple influences: ancient Greek on the Aegean/Mediterranean coasts – Turkmen/pastoral in Central/Eastern Anatolia – Kurdish/Arab cultures in the southeast – historical cosmopolitanism around Istanbul/Marmara.
• The extreme climatic diversity allows the same country to be the world’s leading producer for certain Mediterranean crops while housing renowned winter resorts in its eastern mountains.

Note: The cities mentioned are among the main ones, but each region has several major or secondary urban centers that enrich their respective cultural/economic dynamism.

Largest Cities and Capital of Turkey

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, with a population of over 15 million. Located at the junction of Europe and Asia, it occupies a strategic position on the Bosphorus, connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Over the centuries, Istanbul has established itself as a major historical center, having been the capital of the Byzantine Empire and then the Ottoman Empire. Today, the city remains the country’s main economic engine, representing about 30% of the national GDP and 40% of foreign trade. Istanbul is also recognized for its cultural richness, exceptional architectural heritage (palaces, mosques, churches), and its role as a logistical, commercial, and technological hub for Turkey and the region.

City	Population (approx.)	Geographical Location	Main Role/Activities	Cultural and Geographical Diversity
Istanbul	15 million	Northwest, on the Bosphorus, between Europe and Asia	Economic, commercial, cultural, tourist center	Cosmopolitan city, European and Asian influences, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, technological innovation
Ankara	5.5 million	Center of Central Anatolia	Political and administrative capital, universities, industry	Less touristy, Anatolian diversity, modern administrative center
Izmir	4.4 million	West, on the Aegean Sea	Major port, industry, agriculture, tourism	City open to the sea, Aegean identity, mix of populations
Bursa	3.1 million	South of the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul	Automotive industry, textiles, agriculture, Ottoman heritage	Green city, Ottoman traditions, historical multiculturalism
Adana	2.3 million	South, Cilician Plain, near the Mediterranean	Agri-food, industry, commerce, agriculture	Mediterranean city, ethnic mosaic, Arab and Anatolian influences

Ankara, the capital, holds a central place in Anatolia. A much more recent city on the political scene, Ankara became the capital in 1923 with the founding of the Turkish Republic, symbolizing the country’s modernization and secularization. It houses the main political institutions (parliament, ministries, embassies) and a large number of universities. Ankara plays a key role in the country’s administration but is less known for its tourist appeal or cultural dynamism compared to Istanbul.

Other Major Cities

• Izmir: The third largest city, Izmir is a major port on the Aegean Sea. Its population is around 4.4 million. The local economy is driven by port activities, industry, agriculture (cotton, tobacco, olives), and beach tourism. Izmir is renowned for its openness, diversity, and Mediterranean atmosphere.
• Bursa: Located south of the Sea of Marmara, Bursa is historically known as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is a major industrial center, particularly in the automotive and textile sectors. A green city surrounded by mountains, Bursa retains an Ottoman architectural heritage and a thermal tradition.
• Adana: In the south, near the Mediterranean, Adana has over 2 million inhabitants. It is an important agri-food hub, with highly developed agriculture (cotton, citrus fruits) and a powerful food industry. The city, located in the fertile Cilician Plain, is characterized by its ethnic and cultural diversity, with Arab and Anatolian influences.

The diversity of Turkey’s major cities is reflected in their history, geographical location, and economic dynamics, offering a complete picture of Turkey’s cultural and geographical richness.