Oguzhan Akyener, President of the Turkish Center for Energy Strategies and Policies (TESPAM), shared his impressions of his first visit to Armenia and thoughts on Armenian–Turkish relations during the Orbeli 2025 international forum held in Yerevan on November 4–5, according to Ermenihaber.
The Turkish expert noted that before his trip, he had heard negative remarks from people around him, but his short stay in Yerevan left a completely different impression.
“On the ground, I saw that Armenia, with its people, streets, music, cuisine, and cultural elements, shares many similarities with Turkey. I never felt like I was in a foreign city. Aside from the absence of the ezan (call to prayer), I felt as though I could easily speak Turkish with many people I encountered in the streets.”
He also praised the Orbeli Center’s staff, highlighting their fluent Turkish and warm demeanor, which made him feel more at ease. Regarding the event itself, Akyener emphasized the significance of bringing together participants from different countries and fostering a peaceful atmosphere for citizen diplomacy. “I believe the forum achieved its goal,” he said.
Addressing the issue of reopening the Armenian–Turkish border, Akyener said he believes it will happen sooner or later.
“Of course, some technical and perhaps political conditions may emerge along the way. But this is the first time leaders of all three countries — including Azerbaijan — have managed to meet at the same point. Beyond the statements made at negotiation tables, we must also consider the socio-psychological factors in the peace process. For over a century, societies have been separated by 'dirty games' orchestrated by outside actors.”
He acknowledged that overcoming this century-long division will not be easy, but expressed optimism: “For the first time, hope has become this strong. This won’t be easy, but step by step, as long as Erdogan is president in Turkey, Aliyev in Azerbaijan, and Pashinyan in Armenia — the forces relying on war will no longer ‘spread butter on their bread.’ This will be followed by a phased reopening of border checkpoints. I hope this process will lead to normalized relations and renewed cooperation between societies that lived together in the same geography for millennia.”
On energy prospects, Akyener noted that border reopening could stimulate not only logistics but also regional investment and collaboration in the energy sector.
