| Relations between the countries of Central Asia and Turkey have already lasted formany centuries. However, along the history since the relationship was built up, neverdoes the Turkey show much preference to Central Asian countries like now. Theimportance of Turkey in NATO started to downgrade, the Soviet influence graduallybecame less in the region since the disintegration of Soviet Union which caused to theunstable new actors emerged in former Soviet geopolitical area, the attempt to join EU ofTurkey is still not successful; all of these reasons drive Turkey into the thought to changeits priority more to the Central Asian region where it realizes the advantages it has inorder to get interests from those countries.Historical factor plays an important role in relations between the two sides. Due tothe historical events which happened before and after Ottoman Empire, these countrieshave a lot of in commons such as: ethnicity, language, culture, religion. Turkey hasplayed important historical role in the process of forming the current international system.In Ottoman period, it has significant breakthrough in both domestic and internationalstrategy. However, after the collapse of Ottoman “it emerged as a mono-religious countrywith a high majority, despite its abstraction from whole historical religious symbols andresponsibilities”. As a result of reforming society, culture and politics, multi-ethnic andreligious leadership has been replaced by Western style establishments.Historically, Turkey has a unique position. This state situated between East and Westand between Islamic and Christian worlds. As mentioned above, Turkey has a favorablegeographical position and advantage to develop relationship with regional and non-regional countries. And some of these countries are the countries of Central Asia. Turkeywants to increase its influence in the Central Asian region, because of the region hasminerals such as gold, natural gas and oil. In addition, the region is a great interest fordifferent countries, and this makes it more difficult for Turkey to achieve success in theregion. Of course every country have certain interests towards region of CA, and one ofthe interests of Turkey-is to return its significance for the West and to be a leader of theTurkic-speaking countries and it would help to improve national prestige and build up agood image of Turkey. Another interest of Turkey is to be a bridge between Central Asiaand Europe, and transport oil and gas from Central Asia to Europe, and it is beneficial forall these countries. As well as the similarity of culture, language, religion played an important role inestablishing diplomatic relations after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Turkey was thefirst country which recognizes independence of the Central Asian countries and the firstcountry which established diplomatic relations with all Central Asian countries the sametime. In October30th1992the first summit was organized. Summit participated presidentsof six countries (Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan andTurkmenistan). Turkish model of development was attractive for the countries of CentralAsia, and religion was separated from the state and politics. Many efforts have been madeto improve the friendly relations between the countries. In the initial stages, relationshave developed quite rapidly. Turkey provided financial assistance to improve fraternalrelations. In Central Asian countries were opened different Turkish lyceums, schools andother educational institutions, as well as various Turkish organizations and foundations.And the Central Asian region is a huge market where regional and non-regional countrieshave tried to get economic benefits. Turkey, in turn, has developed a fairly goodeconomic relations, and exports machinery, transportation, textiles, food products in thecountries of central Asia.Another event which affected Turkey’s foreign policy as a whole, it is certainlycoming to power of Justice and Development Party (AKP), headed by Redzhep TayyipErdagon. The Justice and Development Party was the reason why Turkey’s foreign policyhas changed and the policy was carefully targeted to western values. The one-sidedpolicy is changed into multiple dimension one. Base on the common in history, culture,language and the mutual benefits, AKP Government is leading the country’s foreignpolicy towards Central Asian region. Especially after AKP’s victory, the Turkish foreignpolicy is given orientation. Turkey is using its advantage to improve the relations withCentral Asian countries.Besides, thanks to Ahmet Davuto lu who created principle of "Strategic Depth”, dueto that, Turkish foreign policy was improved. The strategic position of Central Asia inTurkey’s foreign policy led to new concept of strategy:“Strategic Depth” Doctrine and“zero problems with neighbors”. Turkey is now taking all of its advantage to strengthenthe relations with Central Asia where is seen to bring Turkey lots of benefits. Thestrategy also opens a new gate for Turkey to gain international status. Besidescooperation in economics, culture, education, Turkey also participates in anti-terrorism,anti-smuggling and pays more attention to peace and security of the region.The aim of the study is analyzing the advantage of Turkey in Central Asia in regardsto the aspect of history and geopolitics, representing Turkey’s foreign policy in the region, showing the problems in the relations that Turkey needs to deal with and explaining howPrime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu with his ideology of “Strategic Depth” provides newdirection to Turkey’s foreign policy. Turkey is now more independent in its foreignpolicy and shows its interests more towards Central Asia. As mentioned above, historicaland geopolitical priorities play an important role in the building up relationship of Turkeywith Central Asia. Turkey attempts to create its image among regional countries in thepurpose that it can win the game of influence with big countries who also try to get someinterests in the region. Under the leadership of Justice and Development Party (AKP),Turkey is now making closer steps to this goal. This paper deals with searching,collecting and analyzing works within a descriptive methodology. |
PDF Full Text Request