The Turkic peoples share a profound and historical bond, rooted not only in commonalities of language, culture, and religion but also in an ancient tradition of trade and cooperation. These ties trace back millennia, when empires like the Turkish Khanate, Qarakhanids, Ghaznavids, Seljuks, and Khorezmshahs emerged as powerful forces, spreading Turkic language and culture across vast territories. These civilizations championed advancements in science, arts, and literature, producing scholars whose contributions significantly enriched world civilization.
Despite centuries of brotherhood, the Soviet era brought an abrupt end to these connections. For Turkic nations under Soviet control, national identity was largely suppressed, and historical ties were severed. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Turkic nations reclaimed their independence, rekindling a shared sense of identity. This new chapter fostered a revival of cultural traditions, and national pride, and strengthened bonds with fellow Turkic-speaking nations.
In the early 1990s, Turkic-speaking nations took the first steps toward formalizing their unity. In 2009, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan gathered in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, to establish the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This marked the beginning of an organized effort to revive a spirit of cooperation between these nations. Today, OTS has five full members: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye, with Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus holding observer status. Together, they aim to foster cooperation across various sectors, including trade, transportation, education, and tourism.
OTS stands as a testament to the strength of the Turkic world, whose shared population of approximately 150 million spans over 4.5 million square kilometers. Their combined GDP, valued at around $1.5 trillion, ranks 13th globally—a remarkable achievement for a relatively young alliance. The OTS has seen notable success in boosting trade among its members. Since 2015, trade turnover among the founding members has risen by 22%, now reaching nearly $9 billion. This figure grows to $19.9 billion when factoring in observer members Turkmenistan and Hungary. Such economic exchanges offer tremendous potential for a bloc that collectively accounts for about 3% of global trade. This creates ample opportunities for OTS members to strengthen their economies while tapping into new markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
While challenges remain, recent years have demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of OTS member economies. In 2020, many OTS countries were hit hard by the pandemic, but Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan managed to maintain positive GDP growth due to their diversified economies. By 2021, all member and observer states saw their GDPs rebound, with Türkiye leading the way with an 11% increase. This bounce-back highlights the resilience of the OTS bloc and points to a promising economic future.
The economic impact of the pandemic on the OTS economies was milder compared to organizations such as the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This relative stability presents a unique opportunity for OTS to strengthen its economic integration. Enhanced cooperation could lead to greater financial and energy security for member states, as well as broader economic growth. In sectors like energy, transportation, and finance, OTS can promote synergies that not only bolster internal trade but also position it as a competitive force on the global stage.
Moving forward, the OTS could serve as a strategic platform for its members to pursue joint infrastructure projects and expand energy cooperation, capitalizing on the region’s rich natural resources. As the world shifts toward renewable energy, OTS nations—many of which are abundant in natural resources like gas, oil, and minerals—have a unique advantage. By focusing on collective development, these countries can pave the way for economic diversification that benefits all member and observer states. The Organization of Turkic States has made commendable progress in a short span, demonstrating the potential of shared language, culture, and history to foster meaningful cooperation. As OTS builds its foundation, its member states are well-positioned to strengthen economic resilience and cultural solidarity, extending the legacy of the Turkic civilization into a new era.
In a world where regional blocs increasingly shape global affairs, the OTS stands as a beacon of unity and promise—a testament to the enduring strength of Turkic heritage and a vision for a prosperous future. By working together, these nations can achieve far more than they would on their own, unlocking a collective potential that echoes the spirit of the Turkic empires of old.
