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The strategic transformation of the Middle Corridor, one of the most critical trade and transport routes linking East Asia to Europe, was at the center of discussions at a panel held Tuesday in Türkiye's capital, Ankara.
Hosted at Gazi University’s Mimar Kemaleddin Hall, experts highlighted that the direct uninterrupted connection between Türkiye and Baku will be certain once the Zangezur Corridor becomes operational, cementing its role as the main artery of the corridor.
The event titled “The Future of the Caucasus and the Middle Corridor: Economy, Transportation, and Energy” brought together senior officials, diplomats and experts to examine the corridor’s growing geopolitical, economic and logistical importance for Türkiye, Azerbaijan and the wider region.
Opening the panel, senior Turkish officials emphasized that Türkiye’s unique geographic position, strengthened by major transportation investments, has elevated the country into a strategic transit hub at a time when global trade routes are undergoing major shifts.
Adil Karaismailoglu, chair of the Turkish Parliament’s Public Works, Zoning, Transportation and Tourism Commission, said Türkiye’s geographical location provides significant advantages, noting that global logistics routes have increased the importance of transit countries.
Karaismailoglu said Türkiye, located at the intersection of Asia, Europe and the Middle East, is a strategic transit center and identified the Zangezur Corridor as a vital component of the Middle Corridor.
“Once the Zangezur Corridor is completed, our direct and uninterrupted connection to Baku will be ensured. This will be the main artery of the Middle Corridor,” he noted.
Karaismailoglu said over 80% of the world’s $33 trillion trade volume moves between East Asia, Europe, and North America, placing Türkiye and Central Asia at a critical junction.
He emphasized that transportation investments in recent years have unlocked the full potential of the Middle Corridor.
Highlighting the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway and Marmaray project, Karaismailoglu said these developments created an uninterrupted railway line from China to London.
He also underlined the key role of cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States in expanding corridor capacity.
He noted that the Northern Corridor had lost significance due to the Russia–Ukraine war, while the Southern Corridor had been weakened by Red Sea attacks, insurance costs, and long transit times, prompting China and European trade to seek alternative routes.
Gazi University Rector Professor Ugur Unal said Türkiye hosts many programs related to the Turkic world and highlighted the importance of historical context when shaping future visions.
Elder Aliyev, counselor at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Ankara, described Azerbaijan as a natural link between Türkiye and Central Asia.
He said the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway embody the mission of unifying the Turkic world, adding that the Zangezur Corridor will further enhance this unity.
TURPAV President Sinan Demirturk said the Middle Corridor will be one of the most discussed axes in the coming years, noting its potential to create a corridor of peace and economic cooperation among Turkic states.
Professor Bulent Aksoy, director of Gazi University’s Turkish World Research Center, said the revival of the historical Silk Road is among the most significant agenda items of the 21st century.
Following the opening remarks, experts discussed issues such as the Middle Corridor’s economic and social impact on the region, its role in transportation and logistics security, and its importance for strengthening regional integration.
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