Türkiye’s Role in Syria and the Middle East: A Strategic Overview

Date: Tuesday, 1st April 2025
Time: 19:00
Location: Committee Room 5
Chair : Dr. Gulay Icoz

About the Event

Join us for a roundtable discussion with Prof. Tunç Aybak and Dr. Sinan Ciddi.

Prof. Tunç Aybak is the Programme Leader for the MA International Relations at Middlesex University’s Faculty of Business and Law. He graduated from the Faculty of Political Science at Ankara University and was awarded a PhD scholarship by Turkey’s Higher Education Council. After completing an MA in International Law and Security, he earned his PhD from the University of Hull. Prof. Aybak has since held various academic leadership roles at Middlesex and specialises in International Relations, Diplomacy, and Public International Law.

Dr. Sinan Ciddi is a leading expert on Türkiye’s political and security dynamics. He will provide an in-depth briefing on Türkiye’s domestic politics, its strategic role in Syria, and the broader implications of its regional actions. This timely event will offer valuable insight into Türkiye’s evolving position in the Middle East and its long-term geopolitical ambitions.

Chair: Dr. Gülay Içöz

Dr. Gülay Içöz is a Visiting Research Fellow at Middlesex University. She holds a PhD in International Relations from Royal Holloway, University of London. Her work focuses on education, technology, and European political dynamics. In addition to her academic research, Dr. Içöz regularly contributes commentary and analysis on elections and EU affairs through various platforms, including Ideas on Europe and Medium.

Background

Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Türkiye has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s dynamics. Its involvement in Syria is driven by several strategic concerns, including the containment of Kurdish separatist movements, particularly the influence of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Türkiye links to the PKK. In response, Türkiye has launched multiple military operations in northern Syria, aiming to establish a "safe zone" and prevent the formation of a Kurdish autonomous region along its border.

Türkiye’s regional policy is also shaped by its broader ambition to assert itself as a balancing power in the Middle East. This includes supporting aligned opposition groups, managing the ongoing refugee crisis, and countering Iranian and Russian influence in Syria. These moves have complicated Türkiye's relationships with both the United States and NATO, while deepening its coordination with Russia.

Key Themes

• Türkiye’s domestic political developments and how they shape foreign policy

• Military and political strategies in Syria and their consequences

• The role of Kurdish groups and security policy in northern Syria

• Regional dynamics involving Iran, Russia, and Gulf states

• The impact of Türkiye’s foreign policy on international alliances and regional stability

This event will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of Türkiye’s approach to regional politics and its implications for both domestic governance and international relations.