UN row over “Turkish Straits” terminology escalates as Türkiye responds to Greek objections

Türkiye has formally responded to objections raised by Greece regarding the use of the term “Turkish Straits” at the United Nations Security Council, escalating a diplomatic dispute over maritime terminology.

Ahmet Yıldız, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the UN, addressed a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN Security Council Presidency, held by China’s Ambassador Fu Cong, following Greece’s objection to the use of the term “Turkish Straits” during a recent Security Council session.

In the letter, Yıldız described Greece’s objections as being motivated by “domestic political considerations” and said Ankara viewed them as “unfortunate.” He firmly rejected what he called unfounded claims, stressing that the terminology in question is a widely used geographical designation.

Yıldız emphasized that “Turkish Straits” is a descriptive and geographically accurate term referring collectively to the Istanbul Strait (Bosphorus) and the Çanakkale Strait (Dardanelles), both under Türkiye’s sovereignty. He stated that its use is consistent with international practice and aligned with the ongoing implementation of the 1936 Montreux Convention.

He further argued that attempts to politicize established geographical terminology do not contribute to constructive dialogue or regional stability, nor do they reflect the legal framework governing maritime passage under the Montreux regime.

According to Yıldız, similar terminology has been consistently used in documents and decisions by international organizations, including NATO and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reinforcing its established status in international usage.

He also noted that sovereign states have the authority to define official names for geographical features under their jurisdiction, adding that Türkiye will continue to use the term “Turkish Straits” in accordance with its sovereign rights.

The dispute stems from a UN Security Council meeting on maritime security, during which Greece objected to Türkiye’s use of the term and instead advocated for references such as “the Straits” or separate naming of the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and Dardanelles. The exchange drew significant attention in both diplomatic circles and Greek media.