When we ask, how close is Syria to Turkey?, the answer is both straightforward and fascinating. These two countries share a significant and historically rich border that stretches over 900 kilometers. Let’s dive into the details and uncover what makes their proximity so important.
The Physical Border: A Lengthy Connection
Syria and Turkey share a border approximately 909 to 911 kilometers (about 565 to 566 miles) long. This border runs from the Mediterranean Sea in the west, near the coastal mountains, all the way east to the tripoint where Syria, Turkey, and Iraq meet. It crosses important geographical features like the Euphrates River and extends near the Tigris River, tracing a path across the historical region of Upper Mesopotamia.
This border is not just a line on the map-it’s a zone of cultural exchange, trade, and sometimes conflict. The border roughly follows the Southern Turkish stretch of the Baghdad Railway and lies near the 37th parallel north latitude, spanning from the 37th to the 42nd eastern meridian.
Distance Between Key Cities and Regions
While the border itself is long, the distance between major cities in Turkey and Syria varies widely. For example:
– The shortest distance between major cities is about 229 kilometers from Gaziantep (Turkey) to As Salamīyah (Syria).
– Other notable distances include Adana (Turkey) to Damascus (Syria) at approximately 396 kilometers, and Malatya (Turkey) to Aleppo (Syria) at around 260 kilometers.
If you consider the distance between the centroids (geographical centers) of the two countries, it’s about 570 kilometers (354 miles). This is roughly the flight distance, which takes just over half an hour by airplane.
The Border Wall: A Modern Barrier
In recent years, Turkey constructed a border barrier along much of the Syria-Turkey border. By June 2018, about 764 kilometers (475 miles) of the wall were completed, aiming to control illegal crossings and enhance security. This barrier highlights the complex relationship between the two neighbors, balancing proximity with security concerns.
Border Crossings and Human Connection
Despite the political and security challenges, the border remains a vital crossing point for people and goods. Several official border crossings link northern Syria with southern Turkey, facilitating trade and humanitarian aid, especially in times of crisis. For instance, the earthquake zones in northwestern Syria are connected to Turkey through border crossings extending about 200 kilometers.
Historical Context of the Border
The Syria-Turkey border was established through treaties in the early 20th century, notably the Treaty of Ankara in 1921 and the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. These agreements defined the modern shape of the border after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The border’s history is intertwined with the shifting political landscape of the Middle East, reflecting colonial legacies and regional dynamics.
Why Does This Proximity Matter?
The closeness of Syria and Turkey has deep implications:
– Cultural Ties: Many ethnic groups, including Kurds and Arabs, live on both sides of the border, sharing languages, traditions, and family ties.
– Economic Exchange: Border trade is crucial for local economies, especially in border provinces like Hatay in Turkey and Aleppo in Syria.
– Security and Refugees: The border is a frontline for managing refugee flows and security concerns due to ongoing conflicts in Syria.
– Geopolitical Influence: Turkey’s position next to Syria affects regional politics, diplomacy, and military strategies.
Summary
Syria and Turkey are neighbors connected by a border stretching over 900 kilometers, with distances between key cities ranging from a couple of hundred to several hundred kilometers. This proximity fosters cultural, economic, and political interactions, making their relationship complex and significant.
The border is not just a geographical fact but a living space where history, people, and politics converge.
Syria is very close to Turkey, sharing a long and historically rich border that shapes both countries’ destinies.
The closeness of Syria to Turkey is about 570 kilometers between their centers, with a shared border of approximately 909 kilometers. This proximity influences everything from culture to security in the region.