Everything you need to know about the full map of Türkiye
Geographical location
Turkey is located at the intersection of the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. This country is among the largest countries in the region in terms of territory and population, and its land area is more than any other European country. Almost all of the country is in Asia, part of the rectangular peninsula of Asia Minor – also known as Anatolia – and to the east, part of a mountainous region sometimes known as the Armenian Highlands. The rest of Turkey lies in the southeastern tip of Europe, a tiny remnant of an empire that once stretched across most of the Balkans.
Turkey has a north-south extent that varies from about 480 to 640 km and extends about 1600 km from west to east. Turkey borders the Black Sea from the north, Georgia and Armenia from the northeast, Azerbaijan and Iran from the east, Iraq and Syria from the southeast, the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea from the southwest and west, and Greece and Bulgaria in the northwest, is limited. The capital of Turkey is Ankara, and its largest city and seaport is Istanbul.
Turkish coasts
As evident on the comprehensive map of Turkey, the country spans approximately 6,440 kilometers in total length, with about three-quarters of it constituting maritime territory. This maritime expanse includes coastlines along the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, along with the straits that link the Black and Aegean Seas. These straits, collectively referred to as the Turkish Straits, encompass the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles. Turkey’s strategic control over these straits, the sole exit from the Black Sea, has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s diplomatic relations. Notably, most islands along the Aegean coast are Greek-owned, with only Gökçeada and Bozcaada remaining under Turkish sovereignty. Ongoing maritime border disputes with Greece have been a recurring issue between the two nations since World War II.
Over centuries, Asia Minor has hosted a succession of political entities. In the 11th century, Turkmen tribes invaded Anatolia, establishing the Seljuk Empire. The Ottoman Empire, originating in the 14th century, underwent extensive expansion, reaching its zenith in the 17th century. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the modern Republic of Turkey emerged in 1923 as a nationalist, secular, and parliamentary democracy. Initially led by its founder Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk), the country transitioned to multi-party elections based on universal adult suffrage in the 1950s.
This historical journey reflects Turkey’s geopolitical complexities and its dynamic role in the region, marked by territorial control, strategic maritime influence, and a rich political legacy.
Geographical regions on the complete map of Türkiye
- Eastern Anatolia Region:
- Central Anatolia Region
- Black Sea Region:
- Mediterranean Region:
- Aegean Region:.
- Marmara Region
- Southeast Anatolia Region:
Each of these regions contributes to the diverse geography and cultural mosaic of Turkey, offering distinct landscapes, climates, and historical significance.
Eastern Anatolia region
The Eastern Anatolia region, the largest area on the comprehensive map of Türkiye, stands as a vast expanse characterized by minimal population density. Predominantly mountainous, it boasts the highest altitude in the country. The livelihood of the residents here revolves around agriculture and animal husbandry. Notably, Turkey’s largest lake, Lake Van, and its highest peak, Mount Ararat, are situated within this region. This region is classified as Turkey’s primary seismic zone, covering extensive plateaus. The Erzurum-Kars plateau, the largest in Eastern Anatolia, dominates the landscape. The mountainous terrain, primarily oriented in an east-west direction, influences transportation routes. Due to the rugged topography, agricultural areas are narrow, resulting in a higher density of agricultural population.
Eastern Anatolia experiences a harsh continental climate, marked by the lowest average annual temperature and protracted, severe winters. Winter temperatures can plummet to -40 degrees, particularly in areas like Erzurum-Kars, where winter persists for 5-6 months. Summers are relatively short, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees. The predominant vegetation in the region is characteristic of the steppe biome.
On the full map of Turkey, the Eastern Anatolia region claims the highest altitude and witnesses the lowest temperatures. Consequently, crops in this region have a delayed growing season. This area proves less conducive to vegetable production, exhibiting a limited variety of agricultural products.
Central Anatolia region
The Central Anatolia region, the second-largest region on the comprehensive map of Turkey following Eastern Anatolia, is unique for its geographical characteristics. Bordered by all regions except the South Anatolia region, it stands out as the driest and least rainy part of Turkey, featuring the highest erosion rate. Often referred to as the granary of Turkey, this region encompasses notable landmarks such as the salt lake, Cappadocia, and the capital city of Ankara. The economic foundation of Central Anatolia is firmly rooted in agriculture.
With an average elevation of approximately 1000 meters, Central Anatolia predominantly exhibits a flat landscape comprised of expansive plains. This topographical feature facilitates convenient transportation and the availability of vast agricultural lands. The low density of the agricultural population, combined with the vastness of the plain, results in a scattered distribution of inhabitants throughout the region. The presence of large plateaus contributes to stable weather conditions.
Surrounded by towering mountains, Central Anatolia features closed basins like Konya, Salt Lake, Akşehir, and Abar. These basins add to the distinctiveness of the region, further shaping its climate and overall geography..
The largest lake
The prominent feature of the Central Anatolia region is the vast Salt Lake, which holds tectonic origins and stands as a primary source of salt in Turkey. The Kızılırmak River hosts significant infrastructure, with the Hirfanlı, Kesikköprü, and Kapulukaya dams serving dual roles as hydroelectric power plants.
Characterized by a local steppe climate, this region experiences hot and dry summers alongside cold and snowy winters. Summer temperatures range from 24-23 degrees, while winter temperatures dip to 0 to -3 degrees. The annual temperature fluctuation is considerable. Surrounded by towering mountains, this region receives the least rainfall on the Turkish map, with increased humidity and precipitation noted in the northern parts. The straightforward topography of this area, visible on the Turkish map, has resulted in extensive cultivated areas, constituting 27% of the region, the second-highest after Marmara. Agriculture in Central Anatolia benefits from widespread mechanization, with a predominant engagement of the population in this sector. Renowned for its grain production, especially wheat, this region is a key contributor to Turkey’s agricultural output.
Black Sea region
The Black Sea region, covering approximately 18% of Turkey’s total territory on the comprehensive map, boasts a greater east-west width and stands out as the most forested area in the country. This region experiences four distinct rainy seasons and holds the exclusive distinction of being the only area where tea plants thrive. Characterized by a mountainous landscape, the North Anatolian Mountains run parallel to the sea, with varying heights across the region. The eastern Black Sea region features higher peaks, while the middle Black Sea region has lower elevations.
While the Black Sea climate is predominant along the coastline, the interior parts of this region on the Turkish map experience a continental climate. The coastal areas receive ample rainfall, leading to transportation challenges between the coastal and inland sectors. The underdevelopment of ports along the Black Sea coast is attributed to difficulties in connecting them to the interior parts, hindered by the mountainous terrain.
Summer temperatures are cool (23-24 degrees), and winters are mild (5-7 degrees) with rainfall occurring throughout the year. The Black Sea region stands out for its high humidity, abundant rainfall, and the lowest temperature difference, making it the region with the fewest sunny days. Autumn witnesses the highest rainfall, while spring experiences the least. The coastal vegetation is primarily forested, while the inland areas exhibit a continental climate.
Mediterranean region
Covering 15% of Turkey’s total territory on the map, the Mediterranean region stands out as the most uneven part of the country. This area serves as the starting point for summer tourism, featuring the highest average annual temperatures.
The Taurus Mountains dominate a significant portion of the Mediterranean region, running parallel to the coast. This orientation prevents the Mediterranean climate from penetrating the interior, leading to variations in climate, vegetation, and cultivated crops between coastal and inland areas. The region is marked by high coastal cliffs, small natural harbors, and limited plains, impacting the development of trade between coastal and inland sectors. The Mediterranean climate along the coasts is characterized by hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. Summer temperatures reach 28-27 degrees, while winter temperatures range between 8-10 degrees. This region experiences one of the highest numbers of sunny days on the Turkish map. The Mediterranean coast, particularly the Antalya region, is known for its high winter temperatures, making it a popular location for greenhouse cultivation due to cost-effectiveness.
Aegean region
Almost 10% of Türkiye’s map is covered by the Aegean Sea region. This area has the longest coastline. In terms of development and population density, it ranks second after Marmara. It is also the area with the most bays.
The height and shape of the land is different between the coast and inland. According to the stretch of the mountains and coastal plains of the Aegean Sea in the east-west direction:
- Transportation is easier in the east-west direction.
- The inland areas developed trade with the Aegean coast.
- Marine weather comes in.
- Crops grown in marine conditions can be produced within the region.
- There are many bays.
- There are many natural ports.
In this region on the full map of Turkey, a transition climate is experienced between the Mediterranean climate of Western Central Anatolia and the steppe climate of Central Anatolia. Agriculture is an important source of income in the region. Also, wet winters in the Aegean coastal region have led to the availability of cheaper greenhouses.
Marmara region
The Marmara region, comprising 8.5% of Turkey’s total area on the map, ranks sixth in size. Known for its low elevation, high energy consumption, and the highest population density and urbanization rate, this region is the most developed in terms of transportation and trade. The Uludağ region boasts the highest mountain in the Marmara region, standing at 2543 meters. While other mountains in the area are not notably high, the developed transportation network, facilitated by the region’s terrain, has attracted numerous industrial organizations. This region holds the highest proportion of cultivated land (30%) in Turkey.
The Marmara region experiences a variety of climates, including Mediterranean, continental, and Black Sea climates. The average annual temperature ranges from 15-14 degrees, with mild winters (3-6 degrees) and moderate summers (23-25 degrees). Coastal areas along the Sea of Marmara and South Marmara exhibit a Mediterranean climate.
Istanbul and Bursa serve as important tourist centers in the Marmara region on the full map of Turkey. Tourism activities thrive throughout the year, with attractions such as hot springs and Uludağ drawing visitors. The northern and southern coasts of the Sea of Marmara are developed for marine tourism, while spa tourism is prominent in Bursa, Yalova, Balıkesir, and Çanakkale.
Southeast Anatolia region
On the full map of Türkiye, this is the smallest region of the country. All of Turkey’s oil production takes place in this region, and the plateaus and plains of the region are vast. The general features of the Mediterranean climate prevail especially around Gaziantep.
Summers are hot and dry. Southeast Anatolia is where summer temperatures and evaporation intensity are most common. The reason for this is the location in the south and the hot winds that blow from the south. In this area of the map of Turkey, steppe vegetation is the most common.
The economy of the region is based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The presence of large plains facilitates agriculture. A severe summer drought limits the production of many agricultural products in this region of Turkey’s full map. Natural conditions are especially suitable for the production of cereals and lentils. Pistachio, cotton, rice, sesame and tobacco are also produced in the region.
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