Genocide and Territorial disputes:
- Armenian Genocide: The Ottoman Empire's systematic extermination and deportation of over 1 million ethnic Armenians during World War I is a central unresolved issue in the relationship. Armenia seeks recognition for the genocide, while Turkey denies it as an official state policy and portrays the events as a consequence of wartime chaos and inter-ethnic conflict.
- Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: The contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian-populated enclave within Azerbaijan, has been a significant source of tension. Fighting and ceasefires have occurred in the past, and the conflict remains a flashpoint that could escalate relations between Turkey and Armenia.
Mutual Accusations and Historical Grievances:
- Historical Resentments: Both nations hold long-standing grievances rooted in historical events, such as the Armenian massacres in the late 19th century and the subsequent Armenian-Ottoman War. Mutual accusations and lack of acknowledgement on past atrocities contribute to hostility and hinder reconciliation.
Support for Opposing Sides:
- Turkish Support for Azerbaijan: Turkey has close ties with Azerbaijan and provides political and military support. Armenia sees this as interference and support for Azerbaijan's position in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, further exacerbating tensions between Turkey and Armenia.
Closed Borders and Lack of Diplomatic ties:
- Closed Border: The Turkish-Armenian border has been closed since the early 1990s due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This physical barrier limits transportation, trade and people-to-people contact, hindering normalization of relations.
- Absence of Diplomatic Relations: Turkey and Armenia do not have formal diplomatic relations, and there are no direct diplomatic missions in each other's capitals. The lack of official channels for communication further complicates the resolution of disputes.
Domestic Politics and Nationalism:
- Nationalist Sentiments: Both Turkey and Armenia have internal political dynamics influenced by nationalist ideologies and narratives that often view the other country negatively. These nationalistic sentiments can shape public opinion and government policies.
- Genocide Recognition: The international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide is a sensitive topic in Turkey, where the state narrative minimizes or denies the event. This discrepancy in historical interpretation also contributes to tensions between the two countries.
Regional Alliances and Geopolitics:
- Regional Politics: Turkey's regional role and alliances, particularly its support for Azerbaijan and strained relations with Russia, can influence its interactions with Armenia. Geopolitical considerations can intersect with historical grievances and further complicate the relationship.
Resolving the hostilities and establishing sustainable peace between Turkey and Armenia requires acknowledgment of past wrongs, dialogue, diplomatic efforts, and a willingness to address long-standing issues.
