Azerbaijan continues to gain new statuses, keeping pace with all the challenges of our modern times.
Among the most important of these is the issue related to the Turkic World. The President of Azerbaijan has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the Turkic Family from various platforms. And Azerbaijan has embarked on comprehensive activities in this direction.
Therefore, we can assert that Azerbaijan has surpassed the level of a leader in the Caucasus region and has undertaken the mission of strategic, economic, and cultural leadership throughout the Turkic world. The phrase "locomotive center" is not accidental here.
Because Azerbaijan plays the role of a unifying, driving, and guiding force in many directions.
Let's start by noting that Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of the Eurasian continent, at the access point to both European, Asian, and Middle Eastern regions. This position naturally transforms it into the geopolitical bridge of the Turkic world opening to the West.
The Zangezur corridor project is the most important geopolitical line that will connect the Turkic states. Through this corridor, a direct land connection will be established from Nakhchivan to Turkey, and from there to all of Central Asia.
As an active member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azerbaijan is making serious efforts on political, economic, and diplomatic fronts for the realization of this idea.
Baku is already the diplomatic center of the Turkic world. The world recognizes this reality. Both summit meetings, energy forums, and cultural events are held here.
Economically, Azerbaijan is also one of the most stable and dynamic countries in the Turkic world. Its energy sector makes a real contribution to the energy security of both the region and Europe.
Projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor have confirmed Azerbaijan's transit and energy leadership.
Azerbaijani gas and oil play an important role in the energy supply of Turkey, Georgia, and Europe.
In addition, Azerbaijan demonstrates significant progress in the non-oil sector, agriculture, logistics, tourism, and technology. This also forms a model of economic cooperation for the Turkic states.
The realities brought by Azerbaijan's Victory in the 2020 Patriotic War also became a symbol of national will and military modernization in the Turkic world.
Cooperation established with Turkey based on the principle of "One nation, two states" formed a new power center in the regional security architecture.
The victory achieved in Karabakh increased self-confidence and belief in unity among Turkic peoples.
Azerbaijan shares this experience with other Turkic countries in the fields of military technology, defense industry, and training.
In parallel, Azerbaijan plays the role of the locomotive of cultural integration in both the Turkic world and the Islamic world.
Cities such as Baku, Nakhchivan, and Shusha have become key centers of Turkic culture.
Within the framework of the "Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" program, Azerbaijani cities consistently assume this role.
Azerbaijani Turkic language, music (mugham, ashug art), literature, and art form the common cultural memory of all Turkic peoples.
Azerbaijan is also considered an example in the Turkic world as a model of religious and ethnic tolerance. This, in turn, creates conditions for the harmonious coexistence of common values.
Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries strengthening the institutional foundations of Turkic integration:
Azerbaijan's initiative in organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States, TÜRKSOY, TÜRKPA, Turkic Academy, and Turkic Investment Fund is noteworthy.
President Ilham Aliyev's idea that "The strength of the Turkic world lies both in our unity and in our faith in a common future" has already become a strategic principle.
Azerbaijan's diplomatic activity encourages closer cooperation among Turkic countries in the international arena.
Azerbaijan's locomotive role is not limited to today's politics. It is aimed at the future strategic integration of the Turkic world. The main objectives of this concept are the deepening of political coordination, the transformation of economic ties into a single market, the creation of common technology and defense platforms, and the formation of a unified information and transport space.
In this direction, Azerbaijan also plays the role of both an initiator and a practical leader.
Based on all this, we can say that Azerbaijan today is a symbol of leadership, strength, and dynamism in the Turkic world. It acts as a locomotive center that unites and advances Turkic peoples culturally, economically, and geopolitically. Naturally, there are also external threats. But Azerbaijan is able to overcome these as well and openly articulates its strategy regarding the Turkic world.
Therefore, the future of the Turkic world is largely closely linked to Azerbaijan's ability to continue this mission.
It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan is now recognized by the world as the locomotive center of the Turkic world.
Elnur ƏMİROV
