TURKEY'S CENTRAL ASIAN ENDEAVORS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The article identifies current challenges and potential opportunities for mutual cooperation with the study of Turkey's influence on the Central Asian region. The authors identify historical, political and economic factors that form the basis of Turkey's interests in the Central Asian region. The purpose of the article is to analyze Turkey's strategy in Central Asia and make recommendations on strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation. The results of the study allow us to consider the current state and future prospects of Turkey's relations with the Central Asian states. The article mainly discusses the geopolitical contradictions caused by Russia and China, the largest global players who faced off on the way to strengthen Turkey's power in the region, competition for a zone of influence in the region and economic and infrastructural deficits that hindered the first enthusiasm of the Turkish state to become a regional leader. At the same time, the Central Asian region provides for cultural, linguistic, and social proximity, deeply rooted in history and the desire of the European Union to finally eliminate Russia's dependence on energy resources due to recent circumstances that create conditions for expanding its influence, Turkey's potential role in ensuring Europe's energy security, and the possibility of energy cooperation in ensuring energy security in Europe due to its unique geographical location. In general, the article gives an idea of the complexity of the nature of Turkey's relations with Central Asia and the potential opportunities for partnership and cooperation in the future.