Exploring Turkey And Azerbaijan's Border Relationship

Azerbaijan and Turkey share a border, with the two countries enjoying strong relations as the only two predominantly Turkic countries located west of the Caspian Sea. The international border between the two countries is just 17km (11mi) long, with the Aras River separating Turkey from the Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan. The border is located at the southeastern tip of the Iğdır Province on the Turkish side and the northwestern tip of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on the Azerbaijani side.

The Azerbaijan-Turkey border is 17km long

The Azerbaijan-Turkey border is 17km (11mi) long and is located between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Turkey. It is the only border between the two nations and is the shortest border for both countries. The border is situated at the southeastern tip of the Iğdır Province on the Turkish side and at the northwestern tip of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on the Azerbaijani side. The Nakhchivan region is an Azerbaijani exclave, separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenia.

The border runs entirely along the Aras River, which also forms part of the border between Turkey and Armenia, and between Azerbaijan and Iran. The land in the immediate vicinity of the border is flat and undeveloped, except for a four-lane highway and two customs checkpoints. The nearest town is Sədərək, located approximately 7km east on the Azerbaijani side, while the nearest villages on the Turkish side are Emince and Gödekli, located approximately 23km northwest.

The establishment of the Azerbaijan-Turkey border was the result of complex geopolitical dynamics in the Caucasus region during the 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, the region was contested between the declining Ottoman Empire, Persia, and the expanding Russian Empire. The border was finalised by the Treaty of Moscow in March 1921, which created a modified Soviet-Ottoman border, granting Turkey a short strip of land connecting it to Nakhchivan. The border was then demarcated on the ground between March 1925 and July 1926 by a joint Soviet-Turkish commission.

The border runs along the Aras river

The Aras river, also known as the Araks, Arax, Araxes, or Araz, forms the border between Turkey and Azerbaijan. The river rises in eastern Turkey and flows along the borders between Turkey and Armenia, Turkey and the Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan, and then through Azerbaijan, where it meets the Kura river. The Aras river marks the border for its entire length of 17 kilometres (11 mi), making it the shortest border for both countries.

The land in the immediate vicinity of the border is flat and undeveloped, except for a four-lane highway and two customs checkpoints. The nearest town to the border is Sədərək, located approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) east on the Azerbaijani side, while the nearest villages on the Turkish side are Emince and Gödekli, located approximately 23 km (14 mi) northwest. The Aras river is also the site of the Umut Bridge, which carries the D.080/M7 highways across the river and forms the only crossing of the Azerbaijan-Turkey border.

The Aras river has played a significant role in the history of the region. In ancient times, the river was known to the Greeks as Araxes and was mentioned by the geographer Hecataeus of Miletus. In modern history, the Aras river gained significance as a geopolitical boundary. Under the terms of the Treaty of Gulistan and the Treaty of Turkmenchay, the river was chosen as the border limit between the Russian Empire and Qajar Iran, as Iran was forced to cede its Caucasian territories to Russia.

The Aras river is also an important source of irrigation for the surrounding region. During the spring months, the rapid flow of the river washes away crops and destroys bridges, but it also provides water for the fertile Ararat valley. The river is fed by several major tributaries, including the Arpa Çayı (also known as the Akhuryan), the Hrazdan River, and the Qareh Sū.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is on the Azerbaijan side

Azerbaijan and Turkey share a border that is just 17km (11mi) long. The border is located at the southeastern tip of the Iğdır Province on the Turkish side and at the northwestern tip of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on the Azerbaijani side. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is a landlocked exclave of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The region covers 5,502.75 sq km (2,124.62 sq mi) with a population of 459,600. It is the sole autonomous republic of Azerbaijan, governed by its own elected legislature.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is bordered by Armenia to the east and north, Iran to the southwest, and Turkey to the west. It is separated from the main portion of Azerbaijan by Armenia. The Zangezur Mountains make up its border with Armenia, while the Aras River defines its border with Iran. The Aras River also runs along the entire length of the Azerbaijan-Turkey border. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is the world's largest landlocked exclave.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The region has been part of various empires, including the Persians, Ottomans, and Russians. The area that is now Nakhchivan became part of Safavid Iran in the 16th century. The semi-autonomous Nakhchivan Khanate was established in the mid-18th century. In 1828, after the last Russo-Persian War and the Treaty of Turkmenchay, the Nakhchivan Khanate passed from Iranian into Imperial Russian possession.

In the 20th century, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic became an autonomous republic within the Soviet Union. In 1990, it declared independence from the USSR. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the region became a constituent part of the newly independent Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is one of the cultural centers of Azerbaijan. The region has produced several noteworthy artists, writers, and poets, including the world-renowned Soviet composer Aram Khatchaturian. The region is also home to several archaeological monuments and important historical sites.

The Iğdır Province is on the Turkey side

The Iğdır Province is located in the easternmost part of Turkey, bordering Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. The province is one of the 81 provinces of Turkey, each of which is divided into several districts. Iğdır is a relatively new province, having been established in 1992, and is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Turks, Kurds, and others.

The province shares a short 17 km (11 mi) border with Azerbaijan, which is also the shortest border for both countries. This international border runs entirely along the Aras River, which also forms part of the border between Turkey, Armenia, and Iran. The land in the immediate vicinity of the border is mostly flat and undeveloped, except for a four-lane highway and two customs checkpoints. The nearest town on the Azerbaijani side is Sədərək, located about 7 km (4.3 mi) east, while the nearest villages on the Turkish side are Emince and Gödekli, located about 23 km (14 mi) northwest.

The history of the border dates back to the 19th century when the Caucasus region was contested between the declining Ottoman Empire, Persia, and Russia, which was expanding southwards. Over time, with various treaties and political changes, the border between Turkey and Azerbaijan has shifted, eventually being finalised in its current position by the Treaty of Kars in October 1921. This treaty created a modified Soviet-Ottoman border, granting Turkey a short strip of land connecting it to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which is on the Azerbaijani side of the border.

The border between Turkey and Azerbaijan is significant for both countries, with strong relations between the two nations. Turkey was one of the first countries to recognise Azerbaijan's independence and has been a staunch supporter of Azerbaijan's efforts to consolidate its independence, preserve its territorial integrity, and develop its economic potential. The two countries also have close cultural and linguistic ties, further strengthening their relationship.

The Iğdır Province plays a crucial role in cross-border interactions between Turkey and Azerbaijan, with the Umut Bridge connecting the two countries across the Aras River. This bridge carries the D.080/M7 highways, providing a vital transportation link between the two nations. Additionally, there have been proposals for a railway into Nakhchivan from Turkey, further enhancing connectivity in the region.

The border is the result of the Treaty of Moscow and Treaty of Kars

The border between Azerbaijan and Turkey is a short 17km (11mi) international border between the two countries. The border is located at the southeastern tip of the Iğdır Province on the Turkish side and the northwestern tip of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on the Azerbaijani side. The Aras River marks the border for its entire length.

The border is the result of the Treaty of Moscow and the Treaty of Kars, which were signed in March and October 1921, respectively. The treaties were signed by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which would declare the Republic of Turkey in 1923, and the Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Georgian Socialist Soviet Republics, with the participation of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

The Treaty of Moscow defined the borders between the future Soviet Union, including the three Transcaucasian Republics, and the emerging Turkish Republic. The Kemalists, however, were not satisfied with the treaty and demanded a new iteration, which became the Treaty of Kars. This treaty reaffirmed the terms of the Treaty of Moscow and defined the boundaries between the new Turkish Republic and all three Transcaucasian Republics.

The Treaty of Kars provided for the territory of the former Imperial Russian Batum Oblast to be divided, with the southern half, including the city of Artvin, annexed to Turkey, and the northern half, including the strategic port city of Batum, becoming part of Soviet Georgia. The treaty also required the region to implement an agrarian system that conformed with the wishes of the largely Muslim local population.

With respect to Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, Article V of the Treaty of Kars established the region of Nakhchivan as an autonomous territory under the protection of Azerbaijan. The new autonomous Nakhchivan territory comprised the former Nakhchivan Uyezd, the Sharur part of the Sharur-Daralagezsky Uyezd, and the southernmost parts of the Erivansky Uyezd of the former Erivan Governorate. In 1924, the area was officially declared the Nakhchivan ASSR, subordinate to the Azerbaijan SSR. The creation of the new autonomous republic allowed Azerbaijan to share an 18km boundary with the Aras corridor, now controlled by Turkey.

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