Turkey Plans to Earn Recognition in the Arctic by Developing Its Scientific Competencies

Turkey is among non-regional actors in the Arctic. Though the country hasn’t published an Arctic strategy as a separate official document, it still has the vision, interests and goals in the region, as well as a well-established Polar science and research program. Rabia Kalfaoglu, Assistant Professor of IR at Recep Tayyip Erdogan University in Rize, Türkiye, highlights Turkey’s Arctic and Polar policy and cooperation with Russia ai the region.

Turkey is among non-regional actors in the Arctic. Though the country hasn’t published an Arctic strategy as a separate official document, it still has the vision, interests and goals in the region, as well as a well-established Polar science and research program. Rabia Kalfaoglu, Assistant Professor of IR at Recep Tayyip Erdogan University in Rize, Türkiye, highlights Turkey’s Arctic and Polar policy and cooperation with Russia ai the region.

What are Turkey’s interests and priorities in the Arctic? Does Turkey reflect its Arctic strategy in any official document?

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Evaluating Turkey's interests in the Arctic from multiple perspectives reveals that scientific research, environmental protection, and geopolitical positioning are priority areas. However, Turkey's primary goal in the region is to expand its scientific footprint by actively participating in polar research and contributing to climate change, glaciology, and marine biology studies. The Turkish Polar Research Institute (TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center) has been at the forefront of these efforts, organizing expeditions and collaborating with international research communities to advance Turkey's Arctic ambitions.

Currently, Turkey has not yet published an official Arctic strategy. However, its primary regulatory document outlining polar interests is the “National Polar Research Program (2018–2022),” established in 2017, which aims to position Turkey as a pioneering country in polar science. In pursuit of this goal, Turkey has introduced the “National Polar Science Strategy 2023–2035,” aspiring to lead in polar research. This strategy sets three primary goals for Arctic research by 2035: achieving scientific excellence to strengthen its position in global scientific organizations, increasing the interaction between Arctic sciences and society with a focus on raising public awareness about polar regions and climate change and ensuring the sustainability of national Arctic research. These objectives are designed to enhance Turkey's scientific endeavors in polar regions, foster greater national and international collaboration, and establish a robust and sustainable policy framework for polar research. Ankara's primary goals in the Arctic, as outlined in the national program, include strengthening Turkey's position regarding the future and preservation of Arctic regions, creating a roadmap for Turkey's accession to the permanent observer in the Arctic Council, enhancing the country's scientific and technical competence in Arctic matters by encouraging Turkish scientists to conduct polar research, and improving the training of specialists in polar sciences through the expansion of undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs.

Additionally, Turkey aims to enhance its involvement in international organizations focused on polar issues and to strengthen cooperation with these entities. Turkey seeks to raise awareness about global climate change. To advance polar science, the Turkish government actively supports scientists studying abroad and encourages journal publications. Facilitating the participation of Turkish scientists in polar conferences, placing them in scientific polar bases in Arctic countries, and helping them secure employment abroad are critical strategies in Turkey's scientific diplomacy. These measures aim to expand Turkish scientists' access to new polar technologies and expertise, furthering Turkey's contributions and presence in the Arctic region.

Why is Turkey interested in taking part in Arctic projects despite being geographically so far from the northern region? And when did Turkey first express its interest in the Arctic?

Despite its geographic distance from the region, Turkey's interest in Arctic projects stems from several strategic, scientific, and geopolitical motivations. The journey began with Turkey's Antarctic studies, highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive Polar Strategy. Recognizing that the Antarctic region is open to global scientific research and not under any national sovereignty, Turkey established its first scientific base in Antarctica. This move underscored Turkey's commitment to contributing to global scientific knowledge and addressing climate change.

The subsequent realization was that a robust Polar Strategy should encompass both the Antarctic and the Arctic regions. Hence, Turkey started pursuing research and strategic planning for both poles simultaneously. Notably, historical records reveal that the Arctic region was depicted on a map by the renowned Turkish cartographer Piri Reis in 1528, demonstrating early Turkish awareness of the area. This early interest has evolved into a long-standing commitment, with Turkish scientists engaged in polar research since the 1960s. Turkey's involvement in Arctic research has become more pronounced in recent decades. Since the early 2000s, Turkish scientists have emphasized the critical importance of the Arctic, advocating for Turkey's active presence in the region. Their research indicates that climate change in the Arctic has significant repercussions for weather patterns in Turkey, contributing to the intensification of storms in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. This interest was formalized by establishing the Polar Research Application and Research Center (PolReC) in 2015. The first significant step was Turkey's application for observer status in the Arctic Council in 2015, along with Greece, Switzerland, Mongolia, and the EU. Although none of these applications were approved, and no official reason for the rejection was provided, it is evident that Turkey has demonstrated a strong interest in obtaining observer status and remains committed to achieving this goal. This status would allow Turkey to participate in Arctic Council meetings and projects and significantly influence Arctic policies and initiatives, underscoring the importance of Turkey's potential role in the region.

Turkey's interest in the Arctic region was formally outlined in the 2018 National Polar Science Program, which included a plan to gain Arctic Council membership and an interest in joining the Svalbard Treaty. Establishing the Polar Research Institute (KARE) in 2019 was a significant step forward in Turkey's polar research efforts. The launch of the first scientific Arctic expedition, TASE-I, in 2019 marked this. By 2023, Turkey had published the “National Polar Science Strategy 2023–2035,” a comprehensive document outlining its polar interests and objectives, and released a three-volume Encyclopedia of Polar Studies comprising 565 articles covering geology, physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. This encyclopedia aims to address the need for more Turkish-language resources on polar topics and promote Turkish scientific research in oceanology, climatology, and meteorology. Subsequent Arctic expeditions, TASE-II, TASE-III, and TASE IV, in 2022, 2023, and 2024 further solidified Turkey's Arctic presence.

In October 2023, Turkey strengthened its role in the Arctic by joining the Svalbard Treaty. According to Burcu Özsoy, the head of the Polar Research Institute, this accession grants Turkey the right to engage in maritime, mining, commercial, and industrial activities and fishing and hunting in the region. The decision to join the Svalbard Treaty, signed on February 9, 1920, was endorsed by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on October 6, 2022, and the corresponding bill was passed. This accession allows Turkey to establish a scientific base in Svalbard, necessitates the enhancement of Turkish maritime doctrine in light of the Arctic's growing significance, and provides a political perspective on Arctic navigation, the strategic raw material potential of the Arctic, and the prospects of utilizing the Northern Sea Route. Additionally, it offers Turkish students the opportunity to study at the University Centre in Svalbard.

What is Turkey's priority sphere in the Arctic? Is it science and research? Does Turkey have enough experience and potential to conduct research in the Arctic's particular climate conditions?

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Turkish government's investment in polar research highlights the emphasis on scientific endeavors as a priority sphere in the Arctic. Turkey's efforts are coordinated through the Turkish Polar Research Institute, which leads various scientific expeditions and research projects. Since 2016, Turkey has organized annual scientific expeditions to the Antarctic, providing valuable experience in polar research that is transferable to the Arctic. These expeditions have involved various scientific disciplines and helped Turkish scientists gain practical expertise in polar environments. In 2019, Turkey conducted its first Arctic expedition, the “Turkish Arctic Scientific Research Expedition (TASE),” demonstrating its commitment to Arctic research and its capability to operate in extreme conditions. During this Arctic expedition, Turkish researchers undertook various scientific studies. These included observing and analyzing sea ice in the Arctic, verifying ground-based measurements of sea ice using remote sensing, examining atmospheric quality, and sampling persistent organic pollutants and microplastics. The expedition covered 880 nautical miles, reaching north of 80°N latitude and up to the sea ice limit.

The initial Arctic expedition (TASE-I) in 2019 was succeeded by subsequent expeditions in 2022 and 2023 (TASE-II and TASE-III), furthering Turkish scientific research in this region. In addition, the fourth expedition (TASE-IV) started at the end of June 2024 and is ongoing, lasting for one month. During the TASE-III Arctic expedition, Turkish researchers conducted research in several areas: sea ice observations starting from 81°N latitude (5,500 km); atmospheric quality studies; detection of pollutants originating from human activities; assessment of fish and marine life; monitoring of physical parameters of seawater; microplastic research; observations of seals, walruses, and polar bears; and the impact of new maritime routes. These studies highlight Turkey's recognition of the Arctic's critical role in global climate regulation. Turkey is committed to contributing to understanding climate change impacts and advocating for sustainable practices to mitigate environmental degradation in the region.

Turkey actively collaborates with international research institutions and participates in global scientific networks, significantly enhancing its research capabilities through knowledge exchange, joint projects, and access to advanced research infrastructure and methodologies. For example, Turkey is a member of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), which promotes international scientific cooperation in Antarctica and has collaborated with countries like Norway and Russia on Arctic research projects. These partnerships give Turkish scientists access to advanced research vessels, labs, and remote sensing tech, enhancing Turkey's role in global scientific endeavors and its involvement in polar research groups.

Could you please provide some examples of Turkey’s projects in the Arctic?

Turkey has distinguished itself in Arctic scientific research by organizing four unique expeditions. The ongoing fourth expedition, which has been active in the Arctic region for one month, is a testament to Turkey's commitment to this field. Before the start of each expedition, Turkish scientists are encouraged to submit project proposals. The selected projects, known for their innovative approaches, are implemented during the expedition. Researchers conduct comprehensive marine sampling, a distinctive feature of Turkey's expeditions, to study the Arctic Ocean's ecosystem. This includes analyzing phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other marine life and assessing water quality and the presence of pollutants. The goal is to monitor biodiversity and ecological changes in the region. Atmospheric scientists investigate the quality of the Arctic atmosphere, measuring pollutants and analyzing atmospheric composition to understand the broader implications of climate change. Environmental scientists and chemists detect contaminants from human activities, while marine biologists assess fish populations and marine biodiversity. Oceanographers monitor the physical parameters of seawater, such as temperature and salinity, to comprehend changes in the marine environment. With their unique approaches and comprehensive scope, these projects are integral to Turkey's efforts to enhance scientific knowledge in the Arctic, contribute to global environmental conservation, and foster international collaboration in polar research.

One of Turkey’s last projects in the Arctic is the initiative to repair damaged soils in the Arctic region. Led by Orhan İnce, who serves as the scientific director of the TerrArctic Mega Grant Project funded by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education and implemented by Tyumen State University, emphasizes the importance of addressing soil degradation for food and water security in light of severe climate change impacts. An emergency action plan will be created to tackle ecological and environmental problems, utilizing innovative engineering solutions to develop sustainable land use plans and conduct scientific studies and improvements. The project aims to rehabilitate degraded areas, improve soil quality through biological enhancement, and ensure food and water security for future generations.

Does Turkey act alone or have any partners in the Arctic region?

Turkey recognizes that it cannot unilaterally assert influence in the Arctic region and seeks to establish international partnerships to participate effectively. One essential part of this strategy is Turkey's desire to become a permanent observer in the Arctic Council to promote regional cooperation. Furthermore, Turkey's signing of the Svalbard Agreement has increased its potential for cooperation with Arctic countries in the region. Additionally, Turkey's participation in the Horizon 2020 Framework Program has further accelerated international scientific cooperation and enhanced its role in the Arctic through collaborative projects.

During Turkey's Arctic expedition, scientists visited scientific bases in Norway, Poland, Russia, India, and South Korea, establishing bilateral cooperation with each country. The Polar Research Institute (KARE) funds Turkey's polar projects, enabling national and bilateral scientific endeavors. Delegations from KARE and relevant ministries represent Turkey at international meetings and scientific organizations, working to enhance and develop bilateral cooperation. This includes signing bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU) with countries with significant polar investments. Currently, MoUs exist with Bulgaria, South Korea, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Belarus, and there are ongoing consultations to reach agreements with Japan, Chile, and Spain.

The Turkish shipbuilding industry also plays a crucial role in facilitating cooperation in the Arctic. With active shipyards capable of constructing various 'ice class/polar class' vessels, including research vessels for the Arctic and Antarctic regions, Turkey is enhancing its strategic capabilities and partnerships in the polar regions. The ongoing construction and delivery of innovative and environmentally friendly vessels for Scandinavian countries, Russia, and the EU further solidifies Turkey's role in the polar research community.

How do you access perspectives for Russia-Turkey cooperation in the Arctic? Could you please provide examples of such cooperation? In which spheres it already has a place? What are the areas with the most perspective in your view?

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In recent years, Russia and Turkey have embarked on various cooperative ventures in the Arctic, encompassing scientific research, infrastructure development, and industrial collaboration. This strategic cooperation is important, with one notable example being scientific collaboration. In July 2023, Turkish Arctic Scientific Expedition (TASE) participants agreed to collaborate with their Russian counterparts in Svalbard. They expressed interest in establishing an international scientific and educational center on the archipelago. Establishing a joint international research center on Svalbard could pave the way for extensive scientific collaborations, including polar research, environmental monitoring, and joint expeditions that could significantly advance Arctic science. Projects like electrifying drilling rigs and other energy infrastructure initiatives present further opportunities for Turkish involvement. Turkish firms can contribute to efficiently exploiting Arctic resources by leveraging their energy technology expertise. The potential for future collaboration in these areas underscores the long-term prospects of the Russia-Turkey Arctic cooperation.

Notably, Turkish construction companies have assumed a pivotal role in key Russian Arctic infrastructure projects, such as 'Yamal LNG' and 'Arctic LNG 2,' deploying hundreds of engineers. These projects are instrumental for the development of Russia's Arctic resources. Turkish shipyards, particularly Kuzey Star Shipyard, have secured contracts from Rosatom to build floating docks and dual-fuel icebreakers. These vessels are indispensable for the operational efficiency of the Northern Sea Route. Additionally, Turkish firms are participating in electrifying drilling rigs in Russia's Arctic zone, demonstrating an economic dimension to the bilateral cooperation. This project underscores Turkey's technological and industrial contributions to Arctic infrastructure.

While Russia and Turkey's cooperation in the Arctic is expanding, strategic complexities must be acknowledged. Turkey's NATO membership presents a nuanced dynamic in their Arctic relationship. However, this cooperation's pragmatic economic and scientific benefits, particularly in the short to medium term, appear to outweigh the strategic concerns. This reassures us of the practicality and economic viability of the relationship despite the strategic risks.

What are Turkey’s further goals in the Arctic region?

Turkeys' future objectives are anticipated to have a stronger emphasis on scientific pursuits. Turkey's aim to enhance its scientific presence in the Arctic is evident in its participation in and initiation of research projects that contribute to global understanding of polar science. One of its key goals is to establish research centers. Turkey plans to collaborate with other Arctic states to set up international scientific and educational centers, such as the proposed center on Svalbard. Additionally, Turkey aims to expand its scientific expeditions to the Arctic, increasing the frequency and scope of research on climate change, glaciology, marine biology, and other polar sciences. Strengthening partnerships with Arctic nations to share knowledge, resources, and expertise is also a significant objective.

Recognizing the crucial role of the Arctic in global climate regulation, Turkey is dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to environmental preservation. A significant priority is active engagement in climate research seeking to address the impacts of climate change in the Arctic, while also fostering advancements in global climate science. Turkey is a fervent supporter and practitioner of sustainable measures in all Arctic-related endeavors, with the aim of safeguarding the delicate Arctic environment. This steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility is an integral part of Turkey's comprehensive Arctic strategy.

Economically, the Arctic region presents significant opportunities for Turkish companies to leverage their industrial capacities. Shipbuilding and marine services are key areas of focus, where Turkish shipyards, such as the Kuzey Star Shipyard, are already actively involved in building ships for the Northern Sea Route. These partnerships hold the potential for further development in the future. Turkey could expand its shipbuilding activities by specializing in the construction of icebreakers, fishing vessels, and other ships designed to operate in Arctic conditions. Additionally, Turkish companies could target important infrastructure projects in the Russian Arctic, such as LNG facilities, ports, and transportation networks. The energy sector also offers promising opportunities for Turkey. By participating in projects such as the electrification of drilling rigs and other energy infrastructure initiatives in the Arctic, Turkish companies could increase their involvement and investment in this sector. Furthermore, the development of the Northern Sea Route presents potential new trade routes that could benefit Turkish trade and logistics sectors. The commercial opportunities arising from an accessible Arctic are considerable, and Turkey could capitalize on these to enhance its economic footprint in the region.

Turkey's scientific and technological potential in shipbuilding, combined with the demand for such expertise from Arctic countries, positions Ankara as a promising potential ally for many nations with polar ambitions. The main strategic direction for Turkey's expansion in the Arctic is closely tied to scientific diplomacy. Turkey's scientific activities in the Arctic region are seen as an effective tool to strengthen its Arctic status, gain access to its rich resource potential, and utilize new transport corridors. By developing its scientific competencies in the Arctic, Turkey plans to earn recognition from the international community for a more active role in the region. This recognition is crucial for Turkey to leverage the potential of the Arctic further.

However, Turkey faces obstacles that hinder its acceptance as an observer in the Arctic Council. These challenges include insufficient diplomatic activity, a limited scale of regional research, and a relatively small number of scientific publications. To address these issues, Turkey has laid out several immediate plans. Turkey aims to hold an annual international Arctic symposium, construct a new research vessel, acquire an icebreaker, and provide financial support to scientists engaged in Arctic research. Achieving observer status in the Arctic Council is a crucial goal for Turkey, as it seeks to legitimize its presence in the Arctic, which would significantly bolster its political weight and influence in the region.

How the governance structure in the Arctic is seen from Turkey? Should the Arctic Council be preserved, or any alternative structure could and should be created? How Turkey see its role in the governance, if any?

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Turkey considers the Arctic Council as the main platform for promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic states. Despite temporarily suspending the Council's work in 2022, Turkey believes it should be maintained and strengthened due to its crucial role in maintaining a cooperative and peaceful Arctic region. The Council's structure allows for inclusive dialogue and decision-making among Arctic states and Indigenous peoples, ensuring a wide range of voices and interests are considered. This inclusiveness is crucial for addressing the unique challenges of the Arctic, including environmental protection, sustainable development, and the impacts of climate change.

While advocating for preserving and strengthening the Arctic Council, Turkey remains open to considering alternative structures or improvements in existing frameworks that could enhance Arctic governance. Any proposed new structure or modifications to the current system should increase inclusiveness and broaden participation, extending invitations to non-Arctic states with legitimate interests in the region, such as Turkey.

In light of the geopolitical tensions following the freeze on the Arctic Council's activities, particularly involving Russia, the notion of restructuring the Council has gained traction. One suggestion is to create an “Arctic+” framework involving collaboration between Russia and non-Arctic countries. However, Turkey might view this proposed structure unfavorably, as it could necessitate a stance on the Ukraine issue, potentially compromising Turkey's balanced foreign policy approach.

Alternatively, the concept of BRICS+ countries engaging in the Arctic region could emerge as a pertinent issue—Turkey's participation in the BRICS meeting in 2018 catalyzed discussions regarding Turkey's potential membership in BRICS. The involvement of BRICS+ in Arctic affairs could be seen as a significant development, potentially motivating Turkey’s aspirations for membership. Nonetheless, Turkey is likely to reaffirm its commitment to becoming an observer in the Arctic Council in the near future. Membership in an organization established by Russia, especially one separate from Western countries, may pose significant challenges for Turkey, given its geopolitical alignments and strategic interests.

Given the complexities and potential geopolitical repercussions of multilateral engagements, Turkey may be prudent to pursue bilateral cooperation with Russia in the Arctic region. This approach allows for more controlled and strategic interactions, avoiding the entanglements of broader geopolitical conflicts. By engaging in bilateral agreements, Turkey can protect its interests while contributing to the stability and governance of the Arctic region.

Turkey's advocacy for greater inclusiveness in Arctic governance is rooted in its belief that the Arctic region's challenges and opportunities are of global significance. By incorporating non-Arctic states with legitimate interests, such as Turkey, the governance framework can benefit from diverse perspectives and expertise. This inclusiveness can foster more comprehensive and effective solutions to the Arctic's multifaceted issues, including environmental protection, sustainable development, and geopolitical stability.

In summary, Turkey's stance on Arctic governance is characterized by a dual approach of advocating for preserving and enhancing the Arctic Council while remaining open to alternative structures that promote inclusiveness. The potential restructuring of the Council, whether through an “Arctic+” model or BRICS+ involvement, presents both opportunities and challenges for Turkey. Bilateral cooperation with Russia emerges as a pragmatic interim strategy, allowing Turkey to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Arctic region. Ultimately, Turkey's commitment to becoming a permanent observer in the Arctic Council underscores its long-term strategic interest in contributing to the governance and sustainable development of the Arctic.