Self-Instruct
The time difference between Turkey and the United Kingdom (UK) varies depending on the time of year. Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK during the winter months and three hours ahead during the summer months.
The UK follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during the winter months, which runs from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday of March. During this time, the time in the UK is the same as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). In contrast, Turkey follows Eastern European Time (EET) which is two hours ahead of UTC all year round.
During the summer months, the UK observes British Summer Time (BST), which is one hour ahead of GMT. This runs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. In contrast, Turkey observes Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) which is three hours ahead of UTC.
The Time Difference in Practice
So, what does this mean in practice? It means that if it is midday in the UK during the winter months, it will be 2 pm in Turkey. Similarly, if it is 7 pm in the UK during the winter months, it will be 9 pm in Turkey. During the summer months, these times will be three hours ahead.
This time difference can cause confusion among travelers and can lead to missed appointments, flights, or connections. Therefore, it is critical to double-check the time difference before traveling between the UK and Turkey.
For those traveling from the UK to Turkey, it is advisable to set your watch to the local time in Turkey as soon as you arrive to avoid confusion. Also, keep in mind that this time difference can affect banking transactions, shipping, and other business activities.
Why Does This Time Difference Exist?
The time difference between Turkey and the UK is due to the fact that Turkey is farther south than the UK, resulting in a variance in the hours of daylight. Turkey uses the time zone that is optimal for its longitude, while the UK uses GMT, which was historically chosen due to its proximity to the Prime Meridian.
Additionally, the UK and Turkey have different approaches to daylight savings time. While the UK observes daylight savings time, Turkey does not. This can further contribute to confusion and disruption of schedules for travelers and businesses.
The Impact on Travel
The time difference between Turkey and the UK can affect travel schedules and can cause jet lag for travelers who are not used to the time difference. Those who are traveling from the UK to Turkey will need to adjust to the time difference by staying hydrated, sleeping on the flight, and adjusting their sleep schedule before they leave.
It is also important for travelers to check the timetables of their flights and other transportation before making any final plans. Those who are flying should check the arrival and departure times to ensure that they are aware of the time difference and can adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the time difference between Turkey and the UK can cause confusion for travelers and can impact business and travel schedules. However, with careful planning and awareness of the time difference, it is possible to minimize disruptions and make the most of your time abroad.
By setting your watch to the local time as soon as you arrive and double-checking your transportation schedules, you can make the most of your trip to Turkey and ensure that you don't miss any important appointments or connections due to the time difference.