The harmony of geopolitics and geo-culture: Türkiye and Azerbaijan

In a traditional manner following the elections, President Erdogan embarked on his first foreign trip. Abiding by established protocol, he first visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan. The simultaneous nature of these visits underscored the importance of both Turkish states for Türkiye once again. The messages conveyed during the visits to both Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan were indicative of the significance of these two nations for Türkiye. Given Türkiye's commitment to the messages it has been sending to the world recently, these visits have assumed even greater importance. Additionally, the self-assuredness emanating from President Erdogan and his accompanying delegation was unmistakable. This is only natural considering that Erdogan's foreign policy was a recurrent topic in the elections, and the Turkish people were aware that they were casting their votes in favor of this policy. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the election results brought smiles to their faces.

President Erdogan's visit to Azerbaijan reverberated in the Azerbaijani press as well. For instance, in "Yeni Musavat," the directive given by Mr. Erdogan regarding the opening of the Shusha Consulate and Mr. Aliyev's statement about the swift opening of the Zangezur Corridor were presented together. Similar expressions emerged in Türkiye as well. These examples demonstrate the strengthening ties between the two countries. Detailed analyses can be conducted to delve deeper into the subject. If, for example, discourse analysis were conducted on the articles published in the media of both countries, it would likely reveal a distinct situation, far different from the convergence between other nations. The paragraph below, quoted from Pervane Sultanova's article in 525-ci Qezet, also highlights this disparity:

"The unique relations and friendship between Azerbaijan and Türkiye serve as an example for the whole world. Finding similar relations between other states today is nearly impossible. Azerbaijan and Türkiye have always stood by each other, not only in times of joy but also in times of sorrow, without any ulterior motives. These two nations consistently exhibit solidarity, whether in domestic matters or on the international stage. The brotherly relations between the heads of state, as well as the love between our peoples, elevate these relations to a higher level and further strengthen our ties."

Pervane Sultanova has expressed that the closeness between heads of state reaches a higher value when compared to the love between the children of the same nation. In my opinion, what makes this relationship unique is precisely this mutual affection. It is not surprising that relations can be elevated to much higher levels when the unique love between the offspring of the same nation is the driving force behind the convergence of two separate states. President Erdogan, during the Second Karabakh War, stated that whatever needed to be done would be done, and Türkiye did just that. Now, regardless of anyone's wishes, this closeness cannot be stopped or reversed. In fact, President Erdogan and President Aliyev have stated that the unity between Türkiye and Azerbaijan will grow even stronger.

We can consider the strengthening of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan unity as having two interconnected aspects. It is not difficult to predict that the relations between the two countries in different fields will be further developed. On the other hand, this unity is also valuable for the Turkic Council. After the Second Karabakh War, a new dimension was added to the relationships between Turkic nations. This indicates that the unity between Türkiye and Azerbaijan will yield results in various fields. It can be referred to as confidence. We should not underestimate the significance of President Erdogan's journey from Nicosia to Baku as an ordinary occurrence. There is no harm in perceiving it as the connection between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caspian Sea. We can also say that it is a valuable link for Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The relationships between Turkic states are built on solid foundations. Geopolitics and geo-culture nurture each other. It is clear that mutual relations will be taken to much higher levels.

During the election process, the concept of the "Turkish Century" was constantly emphasized. However, there were many who saw it as a baseless claim. As a result, they allowed the debates to drift away from their true course and fall into the hands of certain influential individuals' games. Yet, Türkiye is assuming an active role for the first time in a transformative process that affects all continents, inevitably giving rise to certain problems. This situation could be interpreted from different perspectives, and divisions could be built upon it. The claim of the Turkish Century necessitated this. Unfortunately, this situation persisted even after the elections. Türkiye should not be condemned to these futile agendas.