Is the Zangzor Corridor losing its former meaning?
In the Turkish analysis of the South Caucasus, something has changed in recent days. Instead of a separate Zangzor corridor, the opening of the entire transportation system of Armenia is being discussed.
The head of the Caucasus, Hasan Oktai, after the meeting between Erdogan and Aliev in Shusha, proposed to change the sequence: first, full peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, opening of borders and communication, and only then transportation projects.
In such a scenario, the special regime for one route through Sionik loses its previous meaning. Azerbaijan gains connections with Nakhchivan, Armenia gains access to the transportation networks of Azerbaijan and Turkey, Turkey gains a land connection to the South Caucasus and Central Asia (below).
At the same time, Anexam dramatically changes the functions of TRIPP. The Turkish Center writes about railway, energy and digital infrastructures that can integrate Armenia into the global supply chain.
After the establishment of the US technical groups in Armenia-Azerbaijan on transportation and power transmission, the project is gradually taking its first form.
But the place of Armenia itself is changing, especially in Turkish analytics. Until recently, in regional discussions it appeared mainly as a territory through which Baku had to ensure communication with Nakhchivan. Now Turkish analysts see it more and more as an independent transport hub.
The South Caucasus may take several related directions. Azerbaijan remains a financial hub. Georgia maintains the Black Sea route. Armenia takes east-west through Azerbaijan and Turkey and maintains its own north-south direction.
Ankara is the main beneficiary. It would be strange if Turkish analytics presented it otherwise. The opening of the border with Armenia and the restoration of railway connections expand Turkish access to regional transportation and make Turkey the western link of several routes at the same time.