Turkey s Unique Energy Corridor Role at the Center of Eurasia in the 21st Century

Abstract

This paper aims to examine Turkey’s sui generis energy role at the center of Eurasia in the 21st century. With the start of using oil and natural gas in the industry and also elsewhere, drilling, processing and transporting these resources have become an important issue between demanders and suppliers. In Eurasia, although eastern part of the continent is rich in terms of oil and gas, western part of the continent lacks significant volume of hydrocarbons. In terms of energy security perspective, both producers and demanders prioritize the uninterrupted transportation of hydrocarbons. This situation necessitates the presence of transit countries. Nowadays, the new world order has been shaping in the perspective of regional instabilities. In addition, center of gravity of the continent has been changing. Turkey is at the center of these developments and continent as an energy corridor. Hence, the existing and projected oil and natural gas pipeline projects will be beneficial for either Turkey or energy supplier/demander countries.