Europe and Asia. The boundary between Europe and Asia is unusual among continental boundaries because of its largely mountain-and-river-based characteristics north and east of the Black Sea. The reason is historical, the division of Europe and Asia going back to the early Greek geographers. Europe is considered a separate continent from Asia because of its distinct historical, cultural and political identity, rather than any clear geographical demarcation. ... A large part of Turkey lies in Asia, however, culturally and politically, it has been closer to Europe and therefore sees itself as a European country