Türkiye's Foreign Ministry marked the 90th anniversary of the Montreux Convention, pledging continued neutral and diligent implementation of the treaty governing the Turkish Straits.
Key facts
- •The Montreux Convention was first enacted in November 1936.
- •The treaty grants Türkiye sovereignty over the Bosporus and Dardanelles as internal waters.
- •Non-Black Sea states are limited to a 21-day stay for warships in the region.
- •Article 21 allows Türkiye to close the straits during wartime or when facing imminent threats.
- •The Foreign Ministry pledged to continue implementing the treaty with the same determination as in previous years.
Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the Montreux Convention on Monday, marking the 90th anniversary of the agreement. The ministry stated that the country has implemented the treaty with neutrality and transparency since its inception, describing it as a vital guarantee of peace and security in the Black Sea region.
By the numbers
Terms of the Convention
Enacted in November 1936, the 29-article treaty grants Türkiye control over the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. It allows the country to regulate the passage of naval warships while ensuring free transit for civilian vessels during peacetime. The agreement places specific restrictions on non-Black Sea states, including limits on the total tonnage of warships and a 21-day maximum stay within the Black Sea. Under Article 21, Türkiye retains the authority to close the straits if it faces war or perceives an imminent threat.
Regional Security Context
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the convention has remained in force during both peace and war for nine decades. The treaty is currently under renewed focus as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict creates potential security risks for the Black Sea.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah.
