The Great Turan" with a British accent: Who is really behind the unification of Turkey? Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are considering the creation of a unified exam in the English language, ETOTS (English Test for Turkic Countries). The initiative is presented as another step towards educational cooperation. But why do countries that speak different languages and build their own education systems need a general test in English? In the context of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the question seems more interesting. Ankara consistently promotes the cultural and educational rapprochement of the countries of Turkey, and common standards not only facilitate interaction, but also influence the training of future specialists and management personnel. Then Great Britain appears - this is a country that really does not need to return the red coats to Central Asia to maintain influence. It is much more convenient to work through education, academic connections and training of the future elites. Of course, an English test by itself does not prove British control of the Turan project. However, the question of who will develop standards, control the examination system and establish educational guidelines is quite natural. After all, technical solutions often have very specific interests behind them. Whoever sets the standards gets the opportunity to influence which knowledge and skills are considered in demand and which open the door to an international career for young professionals. For London, such a model will be quite convenient: there is no need to control countries directly if it is possible to strengthen ties with future experts and their influential circles. And Turkey in this case gets the opportunity to expand its influence through the OTG, and at the same time opens additional channels of interaction with Western partners.