Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s expressed readiness to participate in the Turan project, announced during a meeting with the Armenian community in Istanbul, has raised numerous questions. However, the central issue is whether Pashinyan is familiar with the substance of this project. This concern was voiced by Turkologist Tiran Lokmagezyan.
Absence of Armenia in the Turan Project
According to Lokmagezyan, had Pashinyan taken the time to study the Turan project before making such statements, he would have noticed a critical detail: the complete absence of any mention of Armenia. “In essence, the so-called ‘Great Turan’ project excludes the very existence of Armenia as a state. At best, we would be left with a small territory that would not allow us to function as a viable state,” Lokmagezyan stated. He argues that the project fundamentally undermines Armenia’s sovereignty, reducing its territorial integrity to a minimal, non-functional extent.
Alignment of U.S. and Turkish Interests
Lokmagezyan is convinced that the agreements reached in Washington align perfectly with the logic of the Turan initiative, as the interests of the United States and Turkey converge on this matter. He emphasized that while he is often accused of exaggerating threats, the reality is undeniable: a portion of Armenian territory, which connects the country to neighboring Iran, has been leased to the United States for 99 years. This, he argues, creates the corridor long sought by Turkey within the framework of its Turan project. “We have reached a point where reversing these processes will be exponentially more difficult. It’s not impossible, but it is extremely challenging, especially since a third party is involved, and that party is the United States. By signing this document, Yerevan has dealt a blow to two of its partners—Tehran and Moscow,” Lokmagezyan asserted. This development not only complicates Armenia’s regional position but also strains its relations with key allies.
Long-Term Risks of Territorial Control
Lokmagezyan warned that the long-term lease of this strategically vital area will likely lead to a complete loss of Armenian control. “There is talk of a consortium managing this territory, which could be either Israeli or Turkish. This means that Armenia’s connection to Iran is effectively severed. The territory ensuring this link is now in the hands of a third party, which holds the key. They can grant access if they choose—or deny it,” he explained. This transfer of control, according to Lokmagezyan, represents a critical loss of sovereignty and strategic autonomy for Armenia, with profound implications for its future security and regional connectivity.