Location of Kapıkule Border Crossing: Which Province Does it Lie Within? – Breaking News in Turkey
The Kapıkule Border Gate: Türkiye’s Busiest Border Crossing
Situated on the Bulgarian border in Edirne, Türkiye, the Kapıkule Border Gate is renowned as the busiest border crossing in the country. Just 17 kilometers away from Edirne’s city center, Kapıkule serves as the primary entry point between Türkiye and Bulgaria, with its Bulgarian counterpart being the Kapitan Andreevo Border Gate.
Originally established as a border police station in 1930, Kapıkule was designated as a border gate by the Council of Ministers in 1953. Serving as Türkiye’s gateway to Bulgaria and the rest of Europe, Kapıkule is not only the second busiest border crossing in the world but also the most intense.
Historical records show that Kapıkule’s significance dates back to the Ottoman period, where it served as a crucial route to Europe. Caravan roads passing through Thrace to the Balkans and Europe would often traverse this region.
During the Republican period, Kapıkule emerged as the focal point of the Türkiye-Bulgaria border, especially with the establishment of the railway connection linking Istanbul, Sophia, Belgrade, and Munich. This strategic gateway to Europe played a vital role in the 20th century.
The 1970s saw a significant increase in Kapıkule’s importance due to the rising number of Turkish workers living in Europe. This period witnessed a surge in road traffic at the border crossing.
In the 2000s, Kapıkule underwent modernization efforts, transforming it into one of Türkiye’s most advanced border gates. Today, Kapıkule is recognized as the busiest border crossing in Türkiye, facilitating the smooth transit of both cargo and passengers.
