Time Traveling between Turkey and UK: The Fascinating Tale of Time Difference
Do you ever wonder what it would feel like to travel back in time? Well, a sort of time travel experience can be gained by simply traveling from the UK to Turkey! Yes, that’s right! A journey that takes you from the world of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to Eastern European Time (EET) can give you a glimpse into the past, or at least, into the past traditions of timekeeping.
What is the Time Difference Between Turkey and the UK?
The time difference between Turkey and the UK is two hours during daylight saving time (DST) and three hours during standard time. This means that when it is 12 noon in London, it is 2 pm in Istanbul during DST and 3 pm during standard time. This may not seem like a big difference, but it can affect various aspects of one’s trip, including jet lag, business meetings, and more.
Why Does the Time Difference Exist?
The reason for the time difference between Turkey and the UK is simple. Turkey is located east of the Greenwich meridian, which is the line of longitude designated as 0 degrees longitude. On the other hand, the UK is located to the west of the Greenwich meridian. Therefore, the sun rises and sets earlier in Turkey compared to the UK.
Timekeeping Traditions in Turkey
Turkey follows the EET, which is UTC+2 hours. However, it is fascinating to note that Turkey used to have its own local timekeeping tradition based on the Ottoman era. In the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire used a timekeeping method called the ‘Turkish time system’. This method used the local time of the capital city, Istanbul, as the universal time throughout the empire. As this was before the introduction of time zones, every city would use its local noon as the starting point for calculating time. However, with the advent of railway networks and the subsequent need for a unified time system, the Ottoman Empire adopted a modified version of GMT in 1910, which was followed until 2016.
Timekeeping Traditions in the UK
Great Britain is the land where the modern Western time system was born in the late 19th century. The GMT was officially adopted by the UK in 1880 and was used as the standard time system for most of the world until it was replaced by the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) system in 1972. The GMT is based on the astronomical observation of the Prime Meridian, which runs through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.
The Effects of Time Difference
The time difference between Turkey and the UK can have various effects, which are often overlooked by travelers. Firstly, jet lag can affect people flying to Turkey from the UK, as they have to adjust to a two-hour time difference. This can cause fatigue and affect their sleep patterns for the first few days of their trip. Secondly, scheduling meetings and appointments can be challenging, especially if it involves people located in different time zones. Finally, international businesses may have to adjust their work schedules to accommodate the time difference and ensure effective communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, timekeeping traditions and the resulting time difference between Turkey and the UK provide us with a glimpse into the past and the evolution of modern timekeeping. While the two-hour time difference might seem insignificant, it can affect travelers’ schedules and business meetings. Understanding and accounting for the time difference can help us travel more efficiently and enjoy our trips better.
