Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

İnce Burun Lighthouse

Fl (4) White 20s🇹🇷Sinop, TROperational

Location & Light Range

About İnce Burun Lighthouse

Also known as: İnce Burun (Sinop)

İnce Burun Lighthouse, built in 1863, stands on the northernmost point of Turkey. The masonry tower, which has an octagonal shape over a square base, stands 12 meters tall, with its focal plane at 26 meters. This structure is attached to a one-story masonry keeper's house. The light characteristic is a single white flash every 20 seconds, visible for 14.5 nautical miles. The lighthouse has remained operational since its construction. The site is open to visitors, though the tower is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the northernmost point of Turkey, guiding vessels along a key section of the Black Sea coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
26m
Geographic Range
14.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1863

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
octagonal over square
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: masonry tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story masonry keeper's house

Location

City
Sinop
Country
🇹🇷Turkey
Region
Sinop
Sea Region
northernmost point of Türkiye, on the point of the cape, about 25 km west northwest of Sinop
Latitude
42.0971°
Longitude
34.9449°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sinop(10.2 km)
Admiralty No.
N5810
NGA No.
19532
ARLHS No.
TUR-005
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find İnce Burun Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Turkey, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify İnce Burun Lighthouse at night?+
İnce Burun displays the characteristic Fl (4) White 20s — 4 white flashes every 20 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does İnce Burun Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
İnce Burun Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Sinop at 10 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Ayancik (18.1 NM WSW), Gerze (21.2 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is İnce Burun Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, İnce Burun Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near İnce Burun Lighthouse?+
İnce Burun Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near İnce Burun Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near İnce Burun Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.