A shimmering expanse mirroring the sky, that’s the Sea of Marmara before us. This inland sea, entirely within Turkey, bridges Europe and Asia. It’s more than just a pretty picture. The Sea of Marmara is a vital historical and geographical link.
Known historically as Propontis, the Sea of Marmara connects the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea. This connection is made via the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. The name “Marmara” comes from Marmara Island. This island is known for its rich marble deposits. The Greeks called marble “mármaron”.
Imagine ancient Greek sailors navigating these waters. They called it Propontis meaning “before the sea”. This reflected its position before the Black Sea which they termed Pontos. The Sea of Marmara was their gateway.
In Greek mythology, the Sea of Marmara played a dramatic role. A storm once blew the Argonauts back to an island they had left. This led to a battle. During the fight, either Jason or Heracles killed King Cyzicus who mistook them for enemies.
The Sea of Marmara covers 11,350 square kilometers. Its dimensions are approximately 280 kilometers by 80 kilometers. The greatest depth is 1,370 meters. The average depth reaches 494 meters.
Look southward. You’ll notice the heavily indented coast. This includes the Gulf of İzmit, the Gulf of Gemlik, the Gulf of Bandırma, and the Gulf of Erdek. These gulfs add to the sea’s unique character.
The Sea of Marmara has unique salinity levels. The surface averages about 22 parts per thousand. This is slightly saltier than the Black Sea. However, it’s only two-thirds as saline as most oceans. Down below, near the seabed, the salinity jumps to around 38 parts per thousand. It is similar to the Mediterranean Sea. This dense, salty water stays deep.
Two main island groups dot the Sea of Marmara. To the north lie the Princes’ Islands. These include Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada. Sedef Adasi and several uninhabited islands are also part of the archipelago. Ferries make these islands easily accessible from Istanbul.
To the south, you find the Marmara Islands. Marmara Island is the main one. Other inhabited islands are Avşa, Paşalimanı, and Ekinlik. Imralı, a prison island, is also nearby.
Sadly, the Sea of Marmara faces environmental challenges. The North Anatolian Fault runs beneath it. This fault has caused major earthquakes, like the İzmit earthquake in 1999. Also in 1999, the Russian oil tanker Volgoneft-248 broke apart here, spilling oil.
Pollution poses a significant threat. Untreated waste has damaged the sea’s ecosystem. In 2021, mucilage, a thick, sticky substance, covered the sea. This outbreak caused habitat loss and economic problems.
Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to protect the Sea of Marmara. It remains a vital waterway. It connects seas and continents. The Sea of Marmara is a testament to nature’s beauty and resilience. As we gaze upon its waters, let us remember its past, appreciate its present, and protect its future.