Turkish foreign policy in Central Asia with Daria Isachenko

Daria Isachenko, an associate at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies in the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Ankara’s growing political and commercial ties with Central Asia.The talk covers initial outreach efforts in the 1990s, in which Turkey was seen as a “door opener” for Europe to regional actors, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.Also discussed is Eurasian energy politics amid the Russia-Urkaine war, the purpose of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the Middle Corridor, which relies on a planned transit connection through Armenia and Azerbaijan, known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, or the Zangezur corridor.Also referenced in this talk:Turkey’s Turns to Central Asia: Learning by Doing (CATS Network)First EU-Central Asia summit, 4 April 2025 (Consilium)EU signs deal with Azerbaijan to double gas imports by 2027 (Reuters)Understanding Central Asia’s Position on Northern Cyprus: Between Principles, Pressures, and Pragmatism (Hague Research)The Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process and the Role of Turkey (SUITS)UN marks first World Turkic Language Family Day (UN News)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe