Eren Alper YILMAZ

Especially since the beginning of 2000’s, upon the discovery of rich hydrocarbon reserves, significant changes have become in the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean which is known as an efficient energy basin. In particular, a fragile ground was created on the behalf of countries involving in region such as Turkey, Greece and Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) in terms of security. In line with bilateral agreements that started on the region long time ago, “exclusive economic zone” and “continental shelf” concepts came into question. Recently, due to “Agreement on Delimitation of the Maritime Jurisdiction Areas” between Turkey and Libya Governments and declaration of NAVTEX by Turkey, which means the stimulation of sailors, continental shelf discussions between Greece and Turkey have flared up.On the other hand, the moves made by Greece with the support of some European and Middle East countries have increased the tension between the parts, even have brought along the discourses of war. This process has ceased to be an energy problem between the parts, it has also become a “sovereignty problem” which each country takes a hard stance against the harassment of its borders and protects its borders by referring to international law texts. Therefore, while the parts aimed to expand their economic jurisdiction, they also targeted to establish a political superiority over each other by preserving their sovereign authorities and rights. This study analyses the efforts of Turkish foreign policy on the way to be dominant in economic and political areas and its security-oriented strategies within the framework of the current developments in Eastern Mediterranean, by also emphasizing the ongoing Aegean problems during the historical process between Turkey and Greece.

Key Words: Eastern Mediterranean, Turkish Foreign Policy, Greece, Exclusive Economic Zone, Continental Shelf.