Turkish Straits

straits, Turkey

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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The Turkish Straits are a vital waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. This system includes the Bosporus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles strait, all located within Turkey. Historically, control over these straits has been a significant geopolitical issue, known as the Straits Question.

The Montreux Convention of 1936 governs passage through the straits. It allows Turkey to control military vessel access, particularly for non-Black Sea powers, while ensuring free passage for merchant ships. This agreement returned the zone to Turkish military control and remains in effect today.

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…Dardanelles—are known collectively as the Turkish Straits; Turkey’s control of the straits, the only outlet from the Black Sea, has been a major factor in its relations with other states. Most of the islands along the Aegean coast are Greek; only the islands of Gökçeada and Bozcaada remain in Turkish…
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…Dardanelles—are known collectively as the Turkish Straits; Turkey’s control of the straits, the only outlet from the Black Sea, has been a major factor in its relations with other states. Most of the islands along the Aegean coast are Greek; only the islands of Gökçeada and Bozcaada remain in Turkish…
Read More