Economy politic analysis of energy potential in the East Mediterranean Region

East Mediterranean has been thought to have considerable amount of hydrocarbon reserves because it is adjacent to the middle east which has huge amount of oil and natural gas reserves. In accordance with this conviction, countries in the region conducted oil and gas exploration campaigns in their maritime boundaries. After long-lasting efforts and with the help of advancing technology, natural gas reserves of large amount have been explored in the region beginning from 2000s. The reserves explored in the East Mediterranean have an important potential for the countries' economies in the region, as well as for the energy sector in the region. Furthermore, the reserves are expected to cause a cooperation between regional players and to contribute to overcoming everlasting problems in the region. This study examines East Mediterranean natural gas reserves by making use of actual data provided by respected energy agencies and energy companies. Moreover, opinions of reliable energy experts were taken into account in the research. Besides that, developments regarding East Mediterranean energy resources were followed with help of prominent energy agencies and energy news portals. By that, it was aimed to assess the developments regarding reserves in the region from a holistic perspective by giving the most up-to-date information. In this respect, the topic of the research was handled with political, economical and technical dimensions.The aim of this study in general is to determine the place of the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas reserves in the world energy outlook. On the other hand, the particular aim of the study is to evaluate the reserves from the perspective of Turkey. In this sense, the main purpose of the study is to assess the reserves from Turkey's standpoint with regards to the economic and political aspects. To fulfill this aim, the reserves in the region is discussed with respect to what they mean for Turkey and Turkish economy. Besides, the study handles the question how the existence and the planned commercialisation of the gas reserves in the region will effect Turkey's position in the region.