The proactive foreign policy focusing on the close surrounding is probably more closely observed by the Western countries than the Turkish public. Turkey, on one hand entering a process of bettering the relations with the countries in the Middle East that it had problems with in the past, on the other hand progressing with the aim of the EU full membership, seems like undertaking the Ottoman mission.
It can be said that, Turkey that turned its face to the West for long years, beginning to realize its near surrounding and in this context improving its relations especially with the Middle East countries, has caused its blaze in its way of Muslim world leadership. Turkey’s role has changed from “bridge” between the East and the West to “route determiner” between the two which is a more active role than the first. The course of Turkey that continues to be active in the Middle East, the Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Balkans, Europe, and even in Africa seems like corresponding to the discourse of “The New Ottoman”.
Turkey’s taking part as a key country in the most important issues occupying the international agenda can be explained by Turkey’s realization of its potential rather than the necessity of its geography. Supporting this potential with the diplomatic ways, in a way Turkey is playing a balance game and seems like it will be successful in this play. Turkey is trying to make the best of the negotiator role by considering the delicate points of the countries with which it has relations. The statements of the minister of the foreign affairs, Ahmet Davutoglu, in the AK Party Kızılcahamam Camp were in the same direction. By saying “We have an Ottoman legacy. They call it as the New Ottoman. Yes, we are the New Ottoman. We have to care the countries in our region. We are even expanding to the North Africa. The powerful states are watching with confusion. Especially France is trying to understand why we are expanding to the North Africa. And I gave directions. In whichever African country Sarkozy visits, he shall see the Turkish embassy building and the Turkish flag whenever he raises his head. I ordered them to build the embassy buildings in the best places.” , in a way he gave an answer to the lately claimed Ottoman mission of Turkey. (Click-1)
The London centered think tank, Center for European Reform commented in Financial Times, “As an old member of NATO that is negotiating with the EU membership, Turkey is expected to act in accordance with the USA and Europe. Additionally, as a regional power, Turkey would want to act independently and avoid arousing the hostility of its neighbors. It is not clear how long Ankara can avoid making difficult choices.”
Though Turkey’s positive course both in the way to the EU and in the relations with the Middle East is sometimes criticized, it seems that the unilateral policies fell behind with the Cold War. It is probable for Turkey which is following multilateral policies in a balance in accordance with the changing conjuncture, the coming days will be promising.
Aydan ÖZEN, Gazi University