Turkey

Blue Homeland 432 Km²

Homeland at Sea

Turkey’s Geopolitical Rise Through the Blue Homeland Doctrine

The Blue Homeland and Its Significance

The concept of the Blue Homeland (Mavi Vatan), frequently mentioned in recent years, has established itself in international relations literature as a pivotal doctrine that strengthens Turkey’s maritime rights within its continental shelf. In the ever-changing landscape of global politics, states act based on their national interests, often operating under a "zero-sum game" mindset. This dynamic has led to the emergence of numerous new doctrines and strategic paradigms. Historically, the term doctrine has been associated with strategies formulated by U.S. presidents; however, in recent years, Turkish diplomacy has also made remarkable strides in doctrine development.

The Blue Homeland introduces a strategic perspective to unresolved disputes in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean—regions long marked by contentious issues over maritime jurisdiction and continental shelf rights. Introduced by retired Rear Admiral Cem Gürdeniz and former Rear Admiral Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cihat Yaycı, the Blue Homeland concept redefines Turkey’s maritime sovereignty. But what does it really mean?

What Is the Blue Homeland?

The roots of the Blue Homeland trace back to 1947, when U.S. President Truman brought attention to the concept of the Continental Shelf. This initiative redefined state sovereignty over maritime areas, acknowledging the seas as an integral part of national territory—particularly to facilitate offshore oil exploration by the U.S.

The 1958 Geneva Convention on the Law of the Sea formally defined the Continental Shelf, laying the foundation for what is now known as the Blue Homeland. The underlying principle here is to utilize maritime resources as national assets. For a country like Turkey, surrounded by seas on three sides, the continental shelf holds substantial strategic importance. However, the 1982 introduction of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) concept added complexity and became a source of regional disputes.

According to Cem Gürdeniz, the Blue Homeland doctrine underscores the necessity of viewing adjacent maritime zones as vital national assets. Seas, like lands, are inseparable parts of a nation. Historical legal disputes within Turkish territorial waters only heighten the significance of this doctrine. More than just a strategic framework, the Blue Homeland also symbolizes Turkey’s growing capabilities and aspirations in maritime affairs.

Continental Shelf, EEZ, and the Blue Homeland

The Continental Shelf, as regulated by the Geneva Convention, refers to underwater areas adjacent to a country’s coastline and does not require formal declaration to be recognized. In contrast, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) must be explicitly declared and defines the scope of economic activities.

The Blue Homeland brings together both concepts—the continental shelf and EEZ—into a unified strategic vision. By integrating these legal and geopolitical principles, the doctrine aims to protect Turkey’s maritime security and interests. As oil and gas exploration increases in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Blue Homeland offers a new perspective for navigating the resulting geopolitical tensions.

Theoretical Framework: Blue Homeland and Defensive Realism

In international relations theory, while political conflicts are shaped by economic, cultural, and military factors, theoretical approaches are vital in developing long-term solutions. The Blue Homeland, introduced by Gürdeniz and Yaycı, fits within the framework of Defensive Realism