In the 12-mile maritime dispute between Türkiye and Greece, which side do you think is in the right?
In the 12-mile maritime dispute between Turkey and Greece, which side do you think is in the right?
Posted on May 10, 2026 by Dtesca
In the 12-mile maritime dispute between Turkey and Greece, which side do you think is in the right?
The 12-mile issue in the Aegean Sea is a highly complex matter with no single “correct” answer in international law, as both sides defend their sovereign rights with different legal grounds. Both sides see a point of justification based on the following basic arguments:
- Greece’s Argument (Based on the 1982 UNCLOS)
Greece bases its arguments on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
General Rule: According to the Convention, each state has the right to extend its territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles. - Integrity of the Islands: Greece argues that islands, like mainland territories, have the right to continental shelf and territorial waters. It states that exercising this right is legal due to the large number of islands in the Aegean.
The Opinion: Whether or not to exercise this right is within Greece’s sovereign prerogative. - Turkey’s Argument (Equity and Special Conditions)
Turkey is not a party to the 1982 UNCLOS and argues that general rules cannot be applied to the Aegean due to its unique geographical structure.
Principle of Equity: In international law, when determining maritime zones, not only distance but also the principles of “equity” and “proportionality” are considered. Turkey argues that the 12-mile application would turn the Aegean Sea into a “Greek Lake” and would effectively make Turkey’s access to the open seas impossible.
Special Geographical Conditions: The Aegean is a “semi-enclosed sea” containing numerous islands. Turkey emphasizes that delimitation in such seas should be done by mutual agreement.
Casus Belli (Cause for War): Turkey views Greece’s extension of its territorial waters beyond 6 miles as a restriction on its living space and has declared, through a decision of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, that it will consider this step a cause for war.
Current Situation and International Law Perspective
When examining similar decisions in the past by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), it is seen that the issue is not always resolved by the 12-mile rule:
Criteria: Greece’s Position; Turkey’s Position
Legal Basis: UNCLOS Article 3 (12-mile right). Customary law and the principle of equity.
Geographical Perspective: Islands are an integral part of the mainland. The Aegean Sea is semi-enclosed; islands should not cut off the extension of the mainland.
Freedom of Navigation: Rights of passage are protected. Turkey’s access to international waters is blocked (70% Greek control).
Who is Right?
From a legal point of view, Greece relies on the written treaty text (UNCLOS); Turkey’s position is based on the principles of “equity” and “geographical superiority,” another cornerstone of international law.
Most international law experts agree that in exceptional regions like the Aegean, borders should be determined not by unilateral decisions, but by bilateral agreements between two states. In other words, rather than one side claiming “absolute right,” both sides sitting down at the table and establishing a common median line is seen as the most appropriate solution according to legal customs.
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