Türkiye prepares maritime law to codify sea claims, jurisdiction

Türkiye is preparing a standalone “Blue Homeland” (Mavi Vatan) law aimed at legally reinforcing its maritime rights and interests across the Black Sea, Mediterranean and Aegean, with the draft expected to be submitted to parliament after Eid al-Adha.

The ruling AK Party is working on the legislation to consolidate Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction framework into a single legal structure, according to party sources, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The proposal is designed to define and protect Ankara’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf boundaries, while setting clearer domestic legal standards for maritime governance.

Under the draft, Türkiye’s sea boundaries would be formally codified, with provisions intended to close existing legal gaps and unify regulations previously spread across different laws. The framework would also regulate Türkiye’s approach in areas extending into international waters.

The bill further addresses disputed or “grey zone” areas in the Aegean Sea, including islands, islets and rocky formations that remain contested between Türkiye and Greece. Their legal status would be defined in line with principles of international maritime law under the proposed framework.

Officials say the drafting process has involved coordination with the Foreign Ministry, as well as technical input from the Turkish Armed Forces and Naval Forces Command. The legislation reportedly draws on a comparative review of international maritime law and existing Turkish statutes.

If adopted, the law would formally incorporate the “Blue Homeland” doctrine into Türkiye’s domestic legal system. The proposal is expected to be presented to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye following Eid al-Adha.