When it comes to geography and geopolitics, the question “How close is Turkey to Syria?” is more than just about distance-it’s about history, culture, and ongoing regional dynamics. Turkey and Syria share a direct and significant border that has shaped their relations for decades. Let’s dive into the details of this border, its length, location, and what it means for both countries today.
The Length and Location of the Turkey-Syria Border
Turkey and Syria share a border that stretches approximately 909 kilometers (565 miles). This border runs from the Mediterranean Sea in the west all the way to the tripoint where Turkey, Syria, and Iraq meet in the east. It crosses a historically rich region known as Upper Mesopotamia for about 400 kilometers (250 miles), passing through important geographical features like the Euphrates River and reaching near the Tigris River.
Much of the border follows the route of the Southern Turkish stretch of the Baghdad Railway and roughly aligns with the 37th parallel between the 37th and 42nd eastern meridians. In the western part, the border almost completely surrounds Turkey’s Hatay Province, following the course of the Orontes River and touching the Mediterranean coast near Jebel Aqra, a notable mountain landmark.
Historical Context of the Border
The current shape of the Turkey-Syria border was established through a series of treaties in the early 20th century. The Treaty of Ankara (1921) first defined the boundary, followed by the Treaty of Lausanne (1923), which finalized its current form. Later agreements, such as the Franco-Turkish Agreement of 1939, further solidified the border arrangements.
This border has been a focal point for political and military developments, especially given the complex history and diverse populations living along it. The Hatay Province, for example, was once part of Syria before joining Turkey, adding to the border’s historical significance.
The Border’s Role in Modern Geopolitics
The proximity of Turkey to Syria has made the border a hotspot for regional security concerns, especially since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. Turkey has been actively involved in northern Syria, both militarily and politically.
In recent years, Turkey has sought to establish a “safe zone” along its border inside Syrian territory. Turkish forces have controlled stretches of land extending around 20 kilometers (12 miles) into Syria and have plans to expand this zone deeper by up to 45 kilometers (28 miles). This move aims to create a buffer zone to prevent cross-border attacks and to manage refugee flows, as well as to counter groups Turkey considers terrorist threats.
For instance, during Operation Euphrates Shield, Turkish-backed rebel forces, supported by Turkey’s military, pushed into northern Syria, capturing key towns such as Dabiq from ISIS. This operation secured a 90-kilometer (55-mile) stretch along the border, significantly impacting the security dynamics in the region.
What Does This Mean for the People Living Near the Border?
The close proximity between Turkey and Syria means that communities on both sides have shared cultural, economic, and social ties. However, the ongoing conflict in Syria has led to significant challenges, including refugee movements and security concerns.
Turkey hosts millions of Syrian refugees, many of whom have crossed the border seeking safety. The border’s length and accessibility have made it a critical passage for humanitarian aid and migration. At the same time, Turkey’s military presence and operations in northern Syria reflect its strategic interest in stabilizing the border region and preventing threats to its own territory.
Summary: How Close Is Turkey to Syria?
In simple terms, Turkey and Syria are immediate neighbors, sharing a long and historically significant border of about 909 kilometers (565 miles). The border runs from the Mediterranean coast in the west to the Iraqi border in the east, crossing important rivers and regions. This proximity has profound implications for security, diplomacy, and human lives, especially in the context of recent conflicts and geopolitical shifts.
Understanding the closeness of Turkey to Syria is essential for grasping the complexities of the Middle East today, where borders are not just lines on a map but living spaces that influence millions of people.
Turkey and Syria are neighbors connected by a long border, intertwined histories, and ongoing regional developments that continue to shape their relationship.