Márványtenger

Márványtenger, also known as the Sea of Marmara, is an inland sea located entirely within Turkey. It connects the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea via the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, respectively. The Sea of Marmara is one of the smallest seas in the world, with a surface area of approximately 11,350 square kilometers. Its deepest point reaches 1,370 meters.

The sea is named after the Greek island of Marmara, which is known for its marble quarries. The waters of the Sea of Marmara are brackish, meaning they are a mixture of fresh and saltwater. This is due to the inflow of freshwater from the Black Sea and the outflow of saltier water to the Aegean. The sea is an important waterway for both commercial shipping and tourism.

Geologically, the Sea of Marmara lies on a major fault line, the North Anatolian Fault, making it prone to earthquakes. The surrounding coastline is dotted with numerous islands, the largest of which is Marmara Island. Important cities located on the shores of the Sea of Marmara include Istanbul, Bursa, and Bandırma. The sea plays a crucial role in Turkey's economy, supporting fisheries and providing transportation routes.