The analysis of the relations between Turkey and Russia in terms of energy politics (1991-2016)

Energy resources are the most important input of the production, the most basic need for the survival of human beings and principle of economic system in the world. Besides being the most important element in the development of the countries, it is used in diplomacy by the states that have rich energy reserves, as a means of pressure other countries because of its strategic importance. At the same time obtaining the energy resources compatible with the technology of the era controlling the routes which are proper to be used in energy transportation to consuming countries have become the most important factors to assert dominance all around the world. The term of geopolitics was first mentioned in 1916. It is simply defined as "science of politics" which is developed by the states by taking geographical factors into consideration. In many geopolitical theories which have been put forward until today, it has been stated which geographical areas must be kept under control in order to dominate the whole world. It is quite remarkable that the energy resources and the routes leading there are located on the regions that are deemed important especially by classical geopolitic theories. Also, many geopolitic theories state ways to obtain control over Eurasia continent which has rich underground energy resource reserves as a strategic goal. Turkey and Russia which are Eurasian countries on a geographical and cultural basis have always had progressing relations as they are countries to have lands in both Asia and Europa. In this study, the relations between Russia whose economy depends on oil and natural gas sales and Turkey which has one of the dynamic energy economies of the the world for energy need have been assayed to be researched within the terms of Eurasian geopolitics and energy politics.