Rivers

The headwaters of three major rivers are in the Anti-Taurus Mountains. The longest river is the Firat (Euphrates). It travels 1,263 km (785 mi) and, along with the Dicle (Tigris), flows through southeastern Turkey. The two rivers merge in Iraq before emptying into the Persian Gulf. Owing to its remote path through mountainous terrain, the Dicle has been the last major river system in Turkey to be developed. Only the lower parts are used for irrigation.

In central Turkey, the Kizilirmak traverses 1,182 km (734 mi) making it the longest river in the country. It originates in Turkey and flows within its borders before emptying into the Black Sea. The Yesilirmak in the Central Region and the Sakarya in the northwest are the other major rivers that flow into the Black Sea. The east-flowing Aras marks Turkey’s border with Armenia.