**The Possibility of Regional Unification with Turkey: Is a New Alliance with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary at the Door?**
Recently, rumors circulating in international diplomatic circles claim that Turkey is seeking some kind of political, economic and cultural unification or alliance with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. These claims are interpreted as a move that could radically change the regional balance of power. So how realistic is this merger idea? Here are the details...
---
### **The Origin of the Idea of Unification: Historical and Strategic Ties**
Turkey has historically had deep cultural, historical and political ties with the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Black Sea region. During the Ottoman Empire, a large part of these regions had been under Turkish rule. Today, Turkey is focusing on increasing cooperation with these regions in the fields of economic, energy and security.
The global developments in recent years, especially the Russia-Ukraine war and the blockage in the enlargement policies of the European Union, have led the countries of the region to seek alternative alliances. Turkey's claim to be a regional power and NATO membership are seen as an attractive partnership opportunity for these countries.
---
### **Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia: A New Equation in the Caucasus**
Georgia has maintained close relations with Turkey for many years. Important steps have been taken between the two countries in areas such as energy corridors, trade and defense cooperation Dec. However, the complex political situation Georgia is in, especially the de facto independent structures of North and South Ossetia and Abkhazia, complicates the idea of a merger.
Turkey's role in this region is more in the direction of mediation and stability. However, Georgia's pro-Western policies and Turkey's balanced relations with Russia and deeper integration with these countries seem difficult for now.
---
### **Moldova and Gagauzia: A New Alliance in the West of the Black Sea**
Moldova is going through a difficult political process, especially due to the Transnistrian issue and Russia's influence in the region. Gagauzia, on the other hand, has historical and cultural ties with Turkey as an autonomous region within Moldova. Turkey is focusing on educational and cultural projects to strengthen its ties with the Turkish-origin population in Gagauzia.
As Moldova's accession process to the European Union continues, the search for a closer alliance with Turkey may be attractive for Moldova both economically and politically. But such a merger also brings with it the risk of attracting a reaction from Russia.
---
### **Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary: A New Cooperation in the Balkans**
Romania and Bulgaria already have close relations with Turkey due to being members of both NATO and the European Union. Energy corridors, defense industry business associations and trade are the elements that bring these countries closer to Turkey. Hungary, on the other hand, has taken steps to strengthen its strategic partnership with Turkey in recent years.
However, the membership of these countries in the European Union and the strict rules of the EU make the idea of a deeper unification with Turkey difficult for now. Instead, stronger cooperation in the economic and security fields may come to the fore.
---
### **Merger Scenario: Realistic or Utopian?**
It seems quite difficult for Turkey to implement a unification or alliance project covering such a wide geography at the moment. Each country's own internal dynamics, international commitments and the reactions of regional powers complicate such a project.
However, Turkey can assume a regional leadership role by strengthening its bilateral relations with these countries. Energy corridors, trade agreements, defense cooperation and cultural projects can lead these countries to closer cooperation around Turkey.
---
### **Conclusion: Regional Cooperation or Political Unification?**
Although the idea of a political unification of Turkey with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary may seem utopian at the moment, regional cooperation and integration projects are quite realistic. Turkey's historical and cultural ties with these countries can further strengthen economic and security cooperation.
However, the realization of such a project requires a great diplomatic effort both in terms of domestic political dynamics and international balances. By following a balanced policy in this process, Turkey can assume a regional leadership role. However, for now, this merger idea is considered more as a "vision of the future".
---
This article is an original analysis prepared in line with regional dynamics and Turkey's strategic goals. Developments will continue to be closely monitored.
