Turkey is increasingly strengthening its influence in Central Asia, increasing cooperation with the Turkic-speaking states of the region. This is happening against the backdrop of the weakening position of Russia, which has historically viewed Central Asia as its zone of influence. Strengthening economic, political and cultural ties between Turkey and the Central Asian countries raises the question: can the “Turkic world” replace the “Russian world” in this important geopolitical region?
In recent years, Turkey’s active interaction with the Turkic-speaking countries of Central Asia has become one of the main components of Ankara’s foreign policy. The Organization of Turkic States, established in 2009, is actively developing coordination and cooperation between the states of the region, and Turkey plays a leading role in this alliance. At the summit of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Samarkand, many issues related to economic, cultural and strategic partnership were discussed. An important moment of this summit was the signing of a number of agreements on the development of transport infrastructure, energy projects and educational initiatives.
The geopolitical importance of Central Asia for Turkey and Russia
Central Asia occupies a strategically important place on the world map. The region’s rich natural resources, such as oil, gas and metals, make it attractive to external players. Turkey sees the countries of the region not only as economic partners, but also as culturally close peoples united by a common history and linguistic ties. For Russia, Central Asia is an important link within the Eurasian Economic Union and the Common Economic Space.
The economic relations between Turkey and Central Asia continue to expand. Ankara is investing in energy and transport projects, trying to strengthen its presence in key economic sectors. Turkey has become an important player in countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan thanks to investments in infrastructure, transport corridors and energy projects. For example, Turkey is actively promoting the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route project, which is supposed to connect Central Asia with Europe via Turkey, creating a new trade route that does not pass through Russia.
Cultural and Religious Aspects of Interaction
Cultural cooperation between Turkey and the Central Asian countries is based on a common Turkic identity. Turkey sees an opportunity to use its cultural and historical ties to strengthen its influence in the region. One of Turkey’s tools has become its active support for educational and cultural programs, such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), which is engaged in the development of educational and cultural projects in Central Asia.
The religious component also plays an important role in Turkish foreign policy. Turkey, as one of the leaders of the Muslim world, is trying to promote its Islamic initiatives in the region. This is of concern to Russia, especially in light of the rise of religious extremism in some parts of Central Asia. However, Turkey uses this factor to strengthen its position by offering support to the countries of the region in Islamic educational and social projects.
Russia and Turkey Confrontation in Central Asia
Russia views Turkey’s strengthening position in Central Asia as a threat to its influence. Although Russia still wields significant economic and military influence in the region, especially through the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), many countries in the region are beginning to look for alternative options for cooperation. Turkey, in turn, offers Central Asian countries a new perspective on economic and political development that is independent of Moscow.
Russia’s diminishing influence in the region is becoming increasingly noticeable, especially in light of the sanctions imposed on Moscow after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Many Central Asian countries, such as Kazakhstan, are seeking to diversify their external relations and reduce their dependence on Russia. In this context, Turkey is becoming an important partner offering new development paths.
In the meantime, Turkey is actively developing economic relations with Central Asian countries, concluding trade agreements and investing in infrastructure projects. The region’s energy resources, such as oil and gas, play a key role in Ankara’s strategic interests. Turkey is trying to promote alternative routes for resource transportation, such as the Trans-Caspian route, which would bypass Russia and connect Central Asia with Turkey and Europe.
An important aspect of economic cooperation is also trade relations. Turkey actively exports its products to Central Asian countries and imports resources needed for its economy. These relations are expected to only strengthen, especially given the increasing political and economic instability in Russia.
Strengthening ties between Turkey and Central Asia continues to develop, with Ankara playing a leading role in this process. With Russia’s influence in the region weakening, Turkey sees an opportunity to strengthen its position and offer new perspectives to the Central Asian countries. It is becoming increasingly clear that Turkey is seeking to replace Russia as a key partner for these countries, offering them alternative economic, cultural and religious development models.
However, this process will not be easy, as Russia, despite its internal problems, continues to be a significant player in the region. However, in the long term, the “Turkic World” promoted by Turkey could become a serious alternative to the “Russian World” in Central Asia, offering the countries of the region new opportunities for cooperation and development.
