Tarik Sulo Cevizci: Türkiye, Azerbaijan emerge as key powers in Middle East

Türkiye and Azerbaijan are strengthening their positions in Syria, Iraq and the Middle East, becoming one of the key forces in the region, said Tarik Sulo Cevizci, President of the Federation of Syrian Turkmen Associations, Report informs.

He made the remark during the panel discussion themed "Looking to the Future: New Opportunities and Initiatives" held as a part of the forum titled "Turkmen heritage: Solidarity of civil societies"

The panel explored initiatives that Turkmens could show in the coming years on the path of unity and development.

Cevizci highlighted the shared ancestry and cultural ties between Syrian Turkmens and the Azerbaijani people, stating: "Syrian Turkmens have always supported Azerbaijan in its struggle for freedom. This moral support was evident during the Karabakh war. Joint projects in the media sector and collaborations in the economic field will further strengthen our unity."

Nebil Shahin Kifrili, Chairman of the Turkmen Academics Organization, proposed that schools and cultural centers would enhance bilateral relations.

"During my visit to the liberated territories, I became familiar with Karabakh University. We wish to establish a branch of Karabakh University in Iraq for Kirkuk students. Additionally, an educational institution named after Fuzuli operating in Iraq would be greatly welcomed," he noted.

Esmira Fuad, Chairperson of the Eternal Turan Book Foundation, described Azerbaijan and Iraq as members of the same family, observing: "These two countries share not only a historical path but also similar aspirations for the future. The strength of the Turkmens lies in their unity, which compels them to stand together."

Ganim Osman, a representative from the Iraqi Turkmens Human Rights Association in Germany, pointed to four key challenges for the future:

"Cultural identity and the struggle for language rights remain among our primary concerns. For example, Iraqi Turkmens still lack full access to education in their mother tongue. Furthermore, digitalization, globalization, and the preservation of Turkmen identity in social media and culture require urgent attention."

Osman added that the strong Türkiye-Azerbaijan brotherhood has the potential to enhance the economic power and social welfare of Turkmens.