Northern Cyprus and the Organization of Turkic States: Symbolic Recognition or Strategic Integration?
Northern Cyprus and the Organization of Turkic States: Symbolic Recognition or Strategic Integration?

Summary/Abstract: This report analyses Organization of Turkic States's (OTS) Samarkand Summit Declaration of 2022, which granted observer status to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The analysis covers whether this move by Turkic states was more of a symbolic recognition or a step toward strategic integration. As a contested state which is only recognized by Türkiye, TRNC's inclusion in the OTS sparked negative reactions alongside critical questions around the limitations and potential of such symbolic recognitions. The article utilizes constructivist international relations theory and qualitative case study method while analyzing official statements, policy documents, discourses, and reactions. The article further analyses the benefits OTS can provide to TRNC and if TRNC's involvement in OTS can have a broader impact on widespread recognition and legitimacy. Finally, this study emphasizes how such symbolic gestures can be less effective in resolving the legal and political disagreement around contested statehood but can offer a great soft power tool.

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