TURKEY EMERGES AS A KEY PLAYER IN EURASIA’S MIDDLE CORRIDOR

Regional Transportation and Logistics Lines Are Gaining Momentum

A significant increase in transportation volume is observed along the China-Asia-Europe land corridor, known as the Middle Corridor. Analysts indicate that this corridor could become a major route in Eurasia in the near future. According to studies, the amount of cargo passing through the corridor increased by approximately 123% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

In this context, Turkey is considered an active player in the corridor thanks to both its geographical location and its foreign policy. This development indicates that the geoeconomic balances in the region are shifting, and a new powerhouse encompassing transportation, energy, and infrastructure networks may be taking shape.

Turkey's Strengthening Role in the Middle Corridor

Turkey occupies a geostrategic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia. This represents both an advantage and a responsibility. For example, transportation and logistics investment policies are becoming important tools for seizing the opportunities presented by the corridor. In this context, the development of energy transmission, transportation infrastructure, and logistics chains, along with Turkey's regional integration and cooperation efforts, is becoming critical.

A recent notable example is the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kars–Iğdır–Aralık–Dilucu railway line, which was held in Turkey. This line aims to establish a new connection between the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Speaking at the ceremony, officials stated that the line is not merely a railway investment but rather a "steel bridge that will strengthen the socio-economic ties between Asia and Europe, extending from China to Europe". This development demonstrates that Turkey is taking steps to strengthen transportation and trade ties on both the west-east and north-south axes.

Prominent Risks and Considerations

The region continues to pose high geopolitical risks for many actors in Eurasia. Energy security, ethnic or national conflicts, and the possibility of external intervention can complicate the regional integration process. The economic and environmental sustainability of transport corridors is gaining importance; not only the construction of routes but also their operation, maintenance, and management are critical.

For Turkey, simultaneous progress in infrastructure, legal frameworks, the investment climate, and diplomacy is necessary for this opportunity to translate into sustainable advantages.

In conclusion, the transformation in Eurasia is bringing about the reshaping of transportation and logistics lines, the rise of new actors along the China-Asia-Europe axis, and the increasing role of bridge countries like Turkey. In this context, Turkey is striving to become not just a transit country but an active participant and a guiding force. However, this rise will be meaningful only through risk management, the appropriate direction of strategic investments, and the strengthening of political and economic ties with the region.

References:

https://www.bbc.com/news

https://www.trthaber.com/haber/ekonomi/jeopolitik-gelismeler-turkiyenin-orta-koridordaki-rolunu-guclendiriyor-716040.html