As global markets seek new routes against potential disruptions in energy and logistics flows, land routes extending through the Asia Middle Corridor and the Caucasus are gaining more prominence. Countries aiming to reduce dependency on narrow sea passages are turning to safer and faster transportation options. In this context, the Zengezur Corridor is considered one of the most critical topics that could affect the geopolitical balances of the South Caucasus. The route, located within Armenian territory and planned to connect Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, is important for establishing a direct land connection between Turkey and Azerbaijan. It is stated that with the activation of the corridor, a new logistics backbone extending from Turkey to Azerbaijan and then to Central Asia could be formed. This situation has the potential to change trade flows and transportation balances in the region. At the same time, it is expressed that the route could also impact Iran's role in trade routes between East and West. Therefore, the project is seen not only as a transportation route but also as a geoeconomic step linked to regional power balances. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in his speech at Baku Energy Week that the Zengezur Corridor will definitely be realized. Aliyev stated that the corridor is based on the agreement signed at the White House in 2025 and explained that Azerbaijan is opening new transportation routes by investing in railway and road infrastructure. The Middle Corridor, extending between Asia and Europe via the Caspian Sea, also stands out as another main element of this search. The route connecting China and Central Asia to Europe through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey aims to transfer shipments to a safer ground compared to sea routes. The total length of this route is approximately 4,256 kilometers by land and 508 kilometers by sea transport over the Caspian Sea. The corridor, which reportedly reduces transportation time from 30 days to 15 days, thus becomes attractive in terms of global trade. For Turkey, the Middle Corridor stands out as a strategic route strengthening the country's goal of becoming a logistics hub. Following tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, it is reported that Ankara considers this route as a safer and more sustainable alternative. New connections are also being established in terms of energy transportation. Turkey and Azerbaijan are working to create an electricity corridor similar to TANAP. Developing electricity connections with Georgia and Bulgaria is also part of this plan. It is stated that Turkey has invested 30 billion dollars to modernize its electricity grid, and some Saudi Arabia-based companies are running clean energy projects in Azerbaijan. Among these projects is the 240-megawatt power plant named Khizi-Absheron. Thus, new multi-layered corridors covering both trade and energy transportation between Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe are emerging. These routes, aiming to reduce dependency on sea routes, are reshaping the region's economic and strategic importance.
