Turkey and Europe have a long and complex history of interaction and exchange, with both regions having significant economic, cultural, and political ties. Turkey is located in both Europe and Asia and has traditionally sought to balance its relationships with both regions.

Turkey has had a complex relationship with Europe, with the country’s status as a candidate for membership in the European Union (EU) being a key issue in its relations with the bloc. Turkey applied for EU membership in 1987 and has since engaged in a long process of negotiations and reform in order to meet the EU’s membership criteria.

Despite this, Turkey’s membership bid has faced significant challenges, with some EU member states expressing concerns about the country’s human rights record and its alignment with EU values. Turkey’s relations with the EU have also been affected by issues such as the refugee crisis and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Overall, Turkey’s relationship with Europe is an important and multifaceted one, with significant implications for the contemporary international landscape and the challenges and opportunities it presents. By engaging with this field, students can gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape Turkey’s relationship with Europe and the ways in which it is shaped by historical, cultural, and economic factors.