The role and strategic orientations of the Zangezur corridor in Turkey-Azerbaijan economic relations as a tool for global competitive advantage: A study on the İlham Aliyev era

During the First Karabakh War, part of Azerbaijan's territory was occupied by Armenia, resulting in the displacement of Azerbaijanis and significant suffering. In 2020, the Second Karabakh War erupted, leading to the liberation of most Azerbaijani lands under Armenian occupation. The 44-day conflict ended with a ceasefire agreement in which Azerbaijan secured the inclusion of the Zangezur Corridor, a strategic gain that was not part of the active combat zones. The corridor's opening would restore the land connection between Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave, cut off during the Armenian occupation. This corridor is significant for both Azerbaijan and Turkey, as it would facilitate a major transit route for energy and goods from Central Asia to Europe, passing through both countries. This study examines the competitive advantages the Zangezur Corridor provides to Azerbaijan and Turkey, employing a SWOT analysis to evaluate its present and future implications. The analysis reveals valuable insights into the corridor's potential impact. Keywords: Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Zangezur, Competition, Karabakh War, Cooperation