The processes observed around the Organization of Turkic States in recent years are not accidental or episodic. What is happening is the result of a consistent political line, a long-term strategy, and adaptation to the changing system of international relations. It is clear to the whole world that this organization is significantly exceeding the framework of a classic cultural unity platform and is transforming into a regional actor with functional capabilities and influence.
Existing realities show that the Organization of Turkic States is forming a new geopolitical power center in the Eurasian space. The pillars of this power center are not limited to a common ethnic-cultural identity. Fundamental components such as security architecture, energy diplomacy, transport and communication lines, economic integration, and the information environment come to the forefront here. It is within this multi-component structure that Azerbaijan plays a leading role.
Azerbaijan's position in the Organization of Turkic States is not based on rhetorical statements and symbolic gestures. This position is measured by concrete political outcomes, actual influence mechanisms, and real power indicators. The new geopolitical configuration that emerged in the region after the 44-day Patriotic War clearly revealed this truth. Azerbaijan is an actor that has changed the long-standing status quo in the South Caucasus.
The change in this status quo was not limited to national interests alone. The emerging new regional balance coincided with the general strategic interests of the Turkic world. This fact further strengthened Azerbaijan's role as a catalyst in regional processes. Consequently, Azerbaijan is no longer a state that reacts to events, but one that shapes processes.
In the modern system of international relations, the concept of “power” is not limited to classic economic indicators. Military will, political legitimacy, diplomatic flexibility, information superiority, and strategic communication capabilities have become key components of this concept. Alongside these, energy security, logistics routes, and transport corridors are also an integral part of the modern power architecture.
Azerbaijan is among the rare states capable of managing all these components in parallel. The management of energy resources and the strengthening of its status as a transit country is a great achievement at present. The activation of the Middle Corridor project and a policy of diplomatic balance form the country's systemic power model. This reality objectively legitimizes Azerbaijan's natural leadership position in the Organization of Turkic States.
It cannot be considered a coincidence that many fundamental initiatives that have emerged in the Organization of Turkic States in recent years originate from Baku. Energy cooperation mechanisms, transport and logistics projects, security dialogues, and political coordination formats are the product of Azerbaijan's strategic vision.
In particular, the activation of the Middle Corridor serves as a real and alternative route connecting the Turkic world with European markets. This corridor carries not only economic significance but also geopolitical importance. Azerbaijan plays a key connecting role in this process, both geographically and politically.
When analyzing existing geopolitical realities, it is impossible not to consider the Karabakh factor. Karabakh is no longer a conflict zone in the classic sense. This region acquires new political, ideological, and cultural meaning. Karabakh is becoming a center of integration and solidarity for the Turkic world.
The city of Shusha gaining the status of Cultural Capital for the Turkic World is not merely a routine protocol decision. This step signifies the institutionalization of Karabakh's symbolic status. Azerbaijan is not only physically restoring Karabakh. A new regional integration model is being established here.
This process strengthens the ideological foundations of the Organization of Turkic States. Because common history and common memory are now reflected in a specific geography, in a real political context.
The initiative to hold joint military exercises in Azerbaijan in 2026 cannot be regarded as a routine military event. This proposal is a clear and multi-layered geopolitical message. The message is addressed to both regional actors and power centers outside the region.
Joint exercises strengthen the Turkic states' concept of collective security. This model is not a copy of classic military alliance structures and is not directed against any country. This is a new conceptual approach formulated to meet the specific security needs of the Turkic world.
Azerbaijan stands at the center of this security model. The reason for this is that real combat experience was formed precisely in Azerbaijan. This experience stems not from theoretical doctrines, but from actual military-political processes.
After the liberation of Karabakh, a qualitative change occurred in Azerbaijan's foreign policy. Priorities were redefined. Regional alliances and strategic partnerships were brought to the forefront. The Organization of Turkic States became one of the main pillars of this new foreign policy concept.
Azerbaijan has moved beyond a defensive posture, strengthening its status as an initiator and guiding actor. This significantly increases the country's real weight in the international system. Azerbaijan's leadership in the Turkic world is built on rational acceptance and actual influence mechanisms. This is the most sustainable form of leadership.
All these processes indicate that the Organization of Turkic States is leaving behind its formation stage. The new stage is one of strengthening, deepening, and institutional integration. In this stage, leadership capability will act as a decisive factor.
Azerbaijan has practically proven its possession of this capability. Karabakh, in turn, is the center of this leadership. Karabakh will have a special and strategic place on the future political map of the Turkic world.
Existing modern realities clearly show that Azerbaijan is the locomotive of the Organization of Turkic States. This locomotive has no intention of stopping. On the contrary, this movement leads both the region and the entire Turkic world towards a more stable, more secure, and more integrated future.
Modern Analytical Analysis and Research Group
