View our special report on the Union for the Mediterranean. 

Connecting the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the Bosphorus is the world's second busiest waterway, a symbol of Turkey's dynamic trade.

For many Turkish businessmen, being in the Union for the Mediterranean is a must. In this crowded warehouse in Istanbul, the owner is quite optimistic about the project.

Within the Mediterranean, Turkey is the first partner of the European Union. The two signed a customs union deal in 1995. Indeed, for the country's leading employers' association states, Turkey is in many ways closer to Europe than the southern Mediterranean countries.

Initially, the Mediterranean Union conceived by France was perceived as an insult by Turkey - a consolation prize that further distanced Ankara from the European Union.

Yet, in the revised version, Turkey has successfully positioned itself as a candidate for the European Union. Still, it is a bitter pill to swallow. Many Turks do not believe in the Mediterranean project, which is sometimes seen as a sham.

Thus, Turkey is reluctantly entering the Union for the Mediterranean; but, without losing sight of its true objective - joining the European club.

Click on the links to view our other reportages on Mediterranean harbours:

- Haifa, port of amity

- Marseille, overlooking the Med

- Riga, the Baltic Riviera