The historical development of the Organization of Turkic States: stages of integration, problems, and prospects

Research Article

Abstract

In the 21st century, the global system is becoming more multipolar, while regional integration is playing a growing role in politics and economics. Countries are increasingly turning to multilateral cooperation based on shared history, culture, and geopolitical interests. In this setting, cooperation among Turkic-speaking states has become especially important and has developed actively since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In 1992, with the support of Turkey, the first summit of the heads of Turkic-speaking states took place. It marked the beginning of regular dialogue in the Turkic world and created a foundation for future cooperation. Another important step came in 2022, when the Turkic Council was transformed into the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) at the Samarkand Summit. Since then, the organization has strengthened its structure, expanded cooperation, and moved toward a more stable form of regional interaction. A notable event was the summit held on November 6, 2024, in Bishkek. During this meeting, the participating countries agreed to develop cooperation in digital technologies, finance, transport, logistics, and international communication. This article looks at how the OTS developed over time and how integration among Turkic states has changed. It also considers current challenges and possible directions for future development in the Eurasian region. Special attention is given to key strategic documents, including the “Vision of the Turkic World – 2040” and the “OTS Strategy for 2022–2026,” which outline priorities in political dialogue, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and humanitarian ties. The research uses descriptive and comparative approaches and is based on academic studies, analytical materials, and open sources. The analysis shows that cooperation among Turkic states has passed through several stages. At first, it focused mainly on culture and education. Later, political cooperation became more structured through regular summits and institutions. Today, the organization is expanding its activities, strengthening economic ties, and increasing its role in the Eurasian region. The findings show that the OTS has strong potential for further development. At the same time, some institutional, economic, and political challenges remain. Even so, current trends point to a gradual strengthening of cooperation and growing opportunities for deeper interaction among Turkic states.