Where Is Earth’s Centre? Scientists Point to Turkey

For years, people have wondered which exact location can be called the true “middle of the Earth.” A scientific study conducted in 2003 attempted to answer this by using advanced global land-distribution data. The results pointed to a small district in Turkey as the geometric centre of all land surfaces on the planet.

Researchers from the global mapping project concluded that the geographic centre lies in Skilip, located in Turkey’s Çorum province. The calculation was based purely on mathematics—not historical, cultural or political factors—and aimed to determine the precise midpoint of all landmasses connected across the continents.

How Scientists Determined the Midpoint

The 2003 study used modern digital elevation models and detailed global land-mapping systems. Scientists analysed how Earth’s landmass is distributed, especially across the Northern Hemisphere and the longitudes stretching from Africa through East Asia. When plotted using global coordinate systems, the geometric midpoint fell squarely within this Turkish district.

Why Turkey? The Scientific Explanation

Scientists noted that Earth’s landmass is unevenly distributed, with the majority lying north of the equator and concentrated between three continents—Europe, Asia and Africa. Because Skilip sits at a central intersection of these regions, the coordinate-based calculations placed it at the natural point of balance.

Local officials celebrated the finding, though geographers emphasised that the designation is purely scientific. It does not represent cultural importance, political authority or a reshaping of borders.

The Centre Has Shifted Over Time

Geographers also highlighted that global mapping techniques have evolved. Earlier attempts to locate the Earth’s centre placed it in various regions depending on the tools and data used. The 2003 study is considered one of the most accurate because it used high-resolution digital models rather than manual mapping.

However, scientists caution that future measurements may shift slightly. Satellite accuracy is constantly improving, and natural changes—such as coastline shifts, erosion and updated mapping conventions—can influence exact coordinates.

Local Response and Future Interest

Residents of Skilip expressed interest in creating visitor sites or markers to highlight the discovery, though local authorities say any such development should follow scientific review to maintain accuracy.

Today, Skilip remains the most widely accepted geometric centre of Earth’s landmass, frequently referenced in academic studies and global geography discussions. As researchers continue to explore how land distribution affects climate, ecosystems and human movement, this small Turkish district continues to draw attention.