Strategic Report ’25

INTRODUCTION
Contemporary developments indicate that the international order is being reconfigured through mechanisms extending well beyond conventional power dynamics and through civilIsational perspectives, realms of geopolitical competition and regional vulnerabilities. Accordingly, while the Islamic world is one of the central regions of the global system due to its demographic size, a wealth of natural resources, strategic location along transport routes and historical heritage, it stands out as a region characterized by the intensifying multi-faceted crises.
Bu çerçevede Adaleti Savunanlar Stratejik Araştırmalar Merkezi (ASSAM) tarafından düzenlenen uluslararası kongreler, İslam dünyasının karşı karşıya bulunduğu sorunların yalnızca akademik düzeyde tespit edilmesini değil, aynı zamanda bu sorunlara yönelik uygulanabilir çözüm önerilerinin geliştirilmesini amaçlayan önemli bir platform niteliği taşımaktadır. ASSAM Kongreleri; uluslararası, bölgesel ve yerel krizleri çok boyutlu olarak ele alarak, İslam ülkelerinin ortak bir irade altında toplanmasını sağlayacak kurumsal yapıları ve mevzuat modellerini ortaya koymayı hedeflemektedir.
This edited volume serves as an outcome of this vision and has been conceived to re-evaluate, from a strategic perspective, the academic studies presented at the ‘‘Search for Solutions to the Crises in the Europe and Central Asia (Turkestan) Region of Islamic World– 2025 Congress’. The 2025 Congress, hosted by Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University on 8–9 November 2025, represents a significant phase in ASSAM’s second series of congresses covering the 2024–2027 period, and focuses on multidimensional crisis areas such as political instability, identity and border issues, great power competition, security threats and economic fragility in the Europe and Central Asia (Turkestan).
During the congress, presentations and discussions led by the distinguished local and international academics, intellectuals, authors, journalists and civil society actors provided comprehensive analyses of the region’s demographic, geopolitical and socio-cultural structure while the region’s historical trajectory of struggle—shaped by imperialism and colonialism—was also evaluated alongside contemporary developments. Moreover, areas of economic and strategic competition, framed by the policies of global powers towards the region as well as energy routes, trade corridors and the dynamics of migration, were discussed in detail. As for the security, regional conflicts, areas of instability and the search for solutions to these issues were discussed from a multi-faceted perspective; the congress refused to confine itself to merely identifying problems, but made significant contributions towards the development of feasible policy recommendations. In this respect, the congress served as a significant intellectual platform, bringing together expertise from various disciplines within a holistic framework to highlight the multidimensional nature of crises in the Europe and Central Asia (Turkestan) and to pave the way for pragmatic, solution-driven strategic initiatives.
The primary aim of this -volume is not merely to describe the regional crises in question, but also to reveal their historical background, contemporary dynamics and potential future solutions through the prism of a holistic approach. In this respect, this volume goes beyond being an academic compilation and rather serves as a strategic reference paper for decision-makers, policymakers and researchers. While the chapters in the volume focus on different geographical regions and thematic areas, they also highlight the systemic challenges confronting the Islamic world within a unified analytical framework, and are intended to contribute to the capacity for generating solutions.
In this vein, the chapters in the -volume can be summarised as follows: The first chapterassesses the invasion of Iraq to demonstrate how foreign interventions produce not only political and military disruption, but also severe damage to cultural heritage and civilizational memory. While the intervention’s implications for international law and its legitimacy are scrutinised, the power relations underpinning modern intervention practices are also discussed. In the second chapter, China’s influence on Türkiye is analysed in a multidimensional manner through the lens of economic dependence, digital infrastructure and cultural interactions. Accordingly, discussions on strategic autonomy, data security and sovereignty are highlighted in the context of global power competition. The third chapter assesses Türkiye’s role in the Azerbaijan–Armenia crisis through the lens of the balance between power projection and peace-building. Türkiye’s regional influence, mediation capacity and position within the emerging geopolitical balance are critically examined. The fourth chapter explores the genesis of the East Turkestan Uyghur diaspora, analyzing its transnational mobilization and coordinated political struggle globally. The diaspora’s efforts to gain visibility on the international stage are assessed alongside the political and institutional challenges it faces. The fifth chapter offers a theoretical framework for the Islamic world by reinterpreting the concepts of power, justice and political unity with reference to al-Farabi’s political philosophy. This method explores the viability of values-based governance in addressing contemporary political turmoil. The sixth chapter provides a multidimensional analysis of Pakistan’s historical background, political structure and geostrategic position. The country’s internal dynamics and its policy of balancing relations with global powers are assessed amid a spectrum of opportunities and vulnerabilities. Seventh chapter presents the perspective of rising powers by conducting a comparative analysis of the foreign policy approaches of Türkiye and India. The similarities and differences between the strategies by both countries, respectively, at regional and global levels are analysed within the context of the changing international system. The eighth chapter highlights the historical continuity of the colonial mindset forged during the Crusades, examining its manifestations in the contemporary era. Within this framework, the connections between forms of power, discourse and intervention bridging from the past to the present are addressed. In the ninth chapter, the current approach to struggle in the context of the East Turkestan issue is critically assessed, and the need for a strategic transformation is highlighted. The study posits a multi-tiered framework of struggle, offering an actionable strategy for policy development and execution. In the tenth and final chapter, the Balkans and the Rumelia region are looked at from the perspectives of historical continuity, identity and civilİsation; the trajectory of the Muslim presence in the region from the past to the present, along with the current challenges it faces, is analysed. Accordingly, it is emphasised that the Balkans are not merely a realm of historical heritage, but also a region whose strategic, cultural and geopolitical significance survives to this day.
Consequently, thanks to chapters focusing on different regions and themes, this study addresses the crises facing the Islamic world from a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary standpoint; it highlights the necessity of institutional, strategic and holistic approaches to resolving these crises. In this respect, the volume aims not only to make an academic contribution but also to establish a strategic framework that can guide policy-making processes, in line with the vision of Islamic Unity set forth by ASSAM.

FOREWORD

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), who taught humanity justice, truth and wisdom.
Historically, the Islamic world was not simply a realm of faith, but the locus of a profound human heritage that served as a custodian of justice, knowledge, and civilizational progress. Today, however, this immense territory faces multi-layered crises characterised by political instability, economic fragility, external interventions and intense internal conflicts. This has become not merely a regional issue, but a matter that directly affects the future of global peace and justice.
As the Justice Defenders Strategic Studies Centre (ASSAM), we believe that the potential of the Islamic world can only be harnessed through collective will, a robust institutional framework and a strategic vision. The international congresses we organise in this vein offer a vital platform for addressing the challenges sustained by Islamic countries from an academic and strategic perspective, with a view to come up with solutions.
This work has been compiled from the ideas and analyses presented at the ‘Search for Solutions to the Crises in the Europe and Central Asia (Turkestan) Region of Islamic World– 2025 Congress’. The studies presented by leading academics, thinkers and researchers from various countries examine the region’s geopolitical, economic, socio-cultural and security dimensions from a multifaceted perspective while they identify the causes of current crises, they also shed light on potential solutions.
This work is not merely an academic compilation; it also embodies a strategic quest for the future of the Islamic world and an effort to cultivate collective wisdom. We believe that Muslim nations backed by their assets, resources and historical heritage, possess the strength to overcome fragmentation and rebuild an order in which justice and stability will reign supreme. The most critical elements they need are unity, consultation and a firm will.
On this occasion, I would like to thank all the academics, researchers and stakeholder institutions who have contributed to the conference and this work; I hope that this volume shall make a modest contribution to overcoming the challenges facing the Islamic world.
It is our prayer to our Lord that He may not separate us from the truth, nor lead us astray from the path of justice, and that He may guide the Ummah of Muhammad towards a stronger future in unity and harmony.

Yours sincerely,
Melih Tanrıverdi
President of ASSAM

The Effects Of The American Incursion Of Baghdad On Its History And Culture
Prof. Dr. Kamaruzaman Yusoff, University of Malaya, Malaysia
This chapter analyzes the devastating impacts of the 2003 US-led intervention in Iraq on the historical and cultural fabric of Baghdad and questions the legitimacy of the intervention in terms of international law and Just War principles. The findings show that this intervention, carried out without United Nations approval, was based on unfounded grounds such as weapons of mass destruction, and was essentially driven by geopolitical and economic interests. During the occupation, Baghdad’s thousands of years of civilizational heritage were severely damaged, and numerous cultural assets, particularly the National Museum of Iraq, were looted and destroyed. This process is evaluated not only as physical destruction but also as a systematic erosion of the historical memory and identity of the Islamic world. The study reveals that the current international system is inadequate in protecting cultural heritage; therefore, it emphasizes that regional actors, particularly Islamic countries, must develop common institutional structures and establish binding mechanisms for the protection of cultural assets. In this context, the protection of cultural heritage emerges as a strategic priority that must be addressed from the perspectives of sovereignty, security, and civilization.

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The Most Dangerous China? An Assessment Of Its Impact In Turkey
Mir Kamil Kaşgarlı, Journalist-Author
This chapter analyzes China’s influence on Turkey within the framework of a multidimensional “silent expansion” strategy that goes beyond classical military methods. The study evaluates the effects of this process, shaped through economic relations, supply chains, digital infrastructures, financial instruments, and cultural interactions, on Turkey’s sovereignty capacity and strategic autonomy. The findings indicate that growing dependence on China, especially in health, technology, and industry, creates vulnerabilities, while new risk areas emerge in terms of data security and national security through digital platforms and data flows. In addition, it is identified that economic influence is deepening through trade imbalances and infrastructure investments, while long-term perceptions and orientations are being shaped in educational, media, and cultural fields. The chapter emphasizes that this process must be treated not only as an economic issue but also as a geopolitical and strategic matter, pointing out the necessity of holistic policy approaches that strengthen Turkey’s production capacity, protect its digital sovereignty, and reduce external dependence in critical sectors.

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Balancing Power and Peace: Turkey’s Strategic Role In The Azerbaijan–Armenia Geopolitical Crisis
Prof. Dr. Ghulam Mursaleen, Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh, India
Dr. Raisul Bari, Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University, Aligarh, India
Asst. Prof. Dr. Leyaqat Khan, Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh, India
This chapter analyzes Turkey’s role in the context of the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict through the balance between power projection and peacebuilding. The study evaluates Turkey’s regional position within the framework of the increasing importance of the South Caucasus in terms of energy, transportation, and geopolitical competition, revealing that Ankara shapes the process as an actor with a strategic alliance relationship with Azerbaijan. It is identified that Turkey influences negotiation processes through military support, diplomatic initiatives, and corridor policies; however, this situation brings along credibility debates regarding its mediation capacity. The chapter also addresses the new power dynamics emerging in the post-2020 period, the dynamics of competition and cooperation with Russia, Iran, and other actors, and emphasizes the decisive role of energy pipelines and trade corridors on the peace process. The study demonstrates that in order to achieve sustainable peace, security guarantees, sovereignty sensitivities, and mutual-benefit-based regional cooperation mechanisms must be strengthened.

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The East Turkistan Uyghur Diaspora: Past and Present
Prof. Dr. Erkin Emet, Ankara University, Turkey
This chapter addresses the historical development, migration processes, and national struggle dynamics shaped within the diaspora of the East Turkestan Uyghur diaspora from a multidimensional perspective. The study reveals that the independence movements starting in the 1930s turned into mass migrations following the Chinese occupation after 1949, and these migrations formed a wide diaspora structure in Turkey, Central Asia, Europe, and North America. The chapter emphasizes that the diaspora is not only a demographic expansion but has also become an organized political and institutional structure that makes the East Turkestan issue visible in the international arena. It is stated that umbrella organizations like the World Uyghur Congress have provided a more effective representation at the international level by transforming the scattered struggle into a centralized structure. However, developments such as China’s increasing pressure policies, forced migration waves, and the weakening of bonds between the diaspora and the homeland are evaluated as generating new risk areas. The study demonstrates that the Uyghur issue has become a global human rights, identity, and security matter, pointing out the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of the diaspora and develop international cooperation mechanisms.

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Islamic Values, Strategy, and Public Diplomacy: Insights From Al-Farabi
Prof. Dr. Edward Moad, Habib University, Pakistan
This chapter addresses the concepts of power, justice, and political unity in the context of Islamic political thought through Al-Farabi’s approach, offering strategic implications for the contemporary Islamic world. The study emphasizes that the relationship between revelation, reason, and power forms the foundation of a just political order, and that power should be evaluated not as an independent end, but as a tool serving the realization of justice. It is revealed that while aims in modern Western thought are shaped through individual desires, the aim in Islamic thought is determined through divine guidance and reason. Al-Farabi’s model of the “virtuous city” is analyzed as a cooperative and multi-layered political organization united around a common purpose. The chapter also states that political legitimacy is based on social consensus formed around common values and collective goals rather than formal procedures, emphasizing the importance of strategic communication and public diplomacy in this context. The study demonstrates that an effective political unity and governance model in the Islamic world must be built on the basis of a common purpose, institutional coordination, and strategic vision.

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Pakistan: History, Identity, Pluralism and Its Strategic Position, With A Study Of Its Political and Economic Structure and Its Regional And International Role
باكستان … التاريخ والهوية والتعددية وموقعها الاستراتيجي دراسة في البنية السياسية والاقتصادية ودورها الإقليمي والدولي
Prof. Dr. Ashraf Abdel Rafea Al Darfili, Executive Director of the Union of Afro-Asian Universities
This chapter comprehensively addresses Pakistan’s historical development, Islamic identity, political and economic structure, and strategic role in the international system. The study emphasizes that the establishment of Pakistan was not merely the result of a geographical division, but a political project based on Islamic identity. It is revealed that despite constitutional Islamic references, the political system is in an unstable equilibrium due to military interventions, weak institutional structure, and a hybrid governance model. It is evaluated that ethnic, linguistic, and sectarian diversity in the social structure poses a challenge in terms of both cultural richness and governance. In the economic analysis, while Pakistan’s natural resources, geostrategic position, and role in energy and trade corridors offer significant opportunities, external dependence and structural vulnerabilities persist. The chapter also highlights Pakistan’s foreign policy approach of balancing global powers and notes that its relations with Turkey present a strategic and civilization-based model of cooperation. The study demonstrates that Pakistan’s future will be shaped by institutional reforms, economic transformation, and balanced foreign policy strategies.

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Foreign Policy and Strategic Interests Of India and Turkey In The 21st Century
Asst. Prof. Dr. Firdous Ahmad Malik, University of the People, USA
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nazir Hussain, Vishwa Bharti Women’s College, Rainawari Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir)
Owais Ismaeil, University of Delhi, India
This chapter examines the foreign policy orientations and strategic interests of India and Turkey in the 21st century using a comparative approach. The study analyzes the efforts of both countries as rising powers to strengthen their positions in the global system through their relations with major powers, regional security strategies, and roles in international organizations. It is revealed that while India’s foreign policy is shaped on the basis of strategic autonomy, multilateral diplomacy, and economic cooperation, Turkey pursues a more proactive strategy aimed at increasing regional influence in line with its geopolitical position and security dynamics. The chapter also emphasizes that the active participation of both countries in platforms such as the United Nations and the G20 reflects their quest to have a greater say in global governance. The differences between India’s South Asia and Indo-Pacific-oriented economic and diplomatic approach and Turkey’s Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, and Caucasus-centered security and influence-oriented policies are analyzed. The study demonstrates that these differences stem from historical, geographical, and political priorities.

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An Overview Of The Impact Of The Crusades On The Present Day In The Context Of Colonisation and Colonial Logic
Prof. Dr. Ziya Polat, Mardin Artuklu University, Turkey
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Çekiç, Mardin Artuklu University, Turkey
This chapter approaches the Crusades not merely as a historical military process, but as a paradigm that laid the groundwork for the formation of colonialist and imperialist mindsets in the Western world. The study reveals that the division of ‘self and other’ based on religious legitimacy, which was shaped by the Crusades, institutionalized an exclusionary and patronizing perspective toward the Islamic world. It is emphasized that the occupations carried out by the Crusaders under the belief that they were acting in the name of God served not only to acquire territory but also to build a mindset that disregards the other and legitimizes violence. The chapter also analyzes how this mindset was reproduced in different forms during the geographic discoveries, colonialism, and modern imperialism processes, gaining continuity through narratives of civilizing, modernizing, and democratizing. It is stated that the patronizing reflex that emerged in the Crusader mentality continues in the modern era through orientalism, Islamophobia, and global power relations. The study draws attention to the decisive role of the Crusader mindset in understanding the historical background of today’s international crises and interventionist policies.

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The Doctrine Of Liberation And Strategic Thinking: A Redefinition Of The Struggle Of East Turkestan
Kaşgarlı Metehan, Journalist-Author
This chapter critiques the East Turkestan independence struggle through the lens of the existing paradigm and presents a comprehensive doctrine for its restructuring within the framework of a strategic transformation. The study emphasizes that the struggle, which has been carried out through a narrative of victimization for many years, has produced limited impact in the international system; therefore, a transition must be made from a reactive approach to a proactive and strategic struggle model. In this direction, three main strategic pillars are proposed: active strategic defense, multi-layered resistance, and ultimate balance. The chapter highlights the necessity of strengthening the struggle for legitimacy based on international law, developing tools for economic independence, strengthening institutional structuring, and uniting under a central political will. It is also stated that the scattered structure of the diaspora must be overcome and a subject status must be achieved in the international system. The study demonstrates that the East Turkestan issue is not only a humanitarian crisis but also a geopolitical and strategic arena of struggle.

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Historical Continuity, Identity, and Strategic Perspectives in the Balkans and Rumelia
Prof. Dr. Süleyman Baki, State University of Tetova, North Macedonia
This chapter addresses the historical, cultural, and geopolitical importance of the Balkans and Rumelia geography from a multidimensional perspective. The study reveals that the social, cultural, and institutional structures built during the Ottoman period established a long-term model of stability and coexistence in the region; however, the wars, political transformations, and ideological regimes experienced in the 20th century significantly weakened this structure. Despite this, it is emphasized that Muslim communities in the region continue to preserve their identities, religious, and cultural existence. The chapter also states that the Balkans is not only an area of historical heritage, but also a geography that maintains its importance today in terms of strategic, cultural, and civilizational perspectives. Evaluating Turkey’s historical and institutional relations with the region, the role of activities carried out in the fields of education, culture, and civil society in strengthening these relations is analyzed. The study demonstrates that activities to be carried out in the Balkans must be developed within a framework that is compatible with local dynamics, inclusive, and strategic.

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CONCLUSION
This editorial paper demonstrates that the multi-layered crises in the region of Europe and the Islamic States Central Asia (Turkestan) are not merely the result of current developments; rather, they are the product of long-term processes shaped at the nexus of historical, geopolitical and structural dynamics. While the chapters in the book focus on different geographical and thematic areas, they point to a common reality: despite its geopolitical advantages and civilisational heritage, the Islamic world has been pushed into a passive position within the global system due to fragmentation, vulnerability to external intervention and institutional weaknesses.
Accordingly, the study demonstrates that crises must be addressed not only through the prism of security or the economy, but also in terms of identity, culture, history and political mindset. Developments across a vast geography stretching from Iraq to East Turkestan, and from the South Caucasus to the Balkans and Europe, reveal how global power rivalries, regional fragilities and forms of intervention characterised by historical continuity are intertwined. This situation clearly demonstrates that the current problems cannot be resolved through fragmented and short-term policies; on the contrary, it dictates a holistic, long-term and strategic approach.
One of the key findings highlighted in the book is that the problems that the Islamic world faces are, to a significant extent, linked to a lack of institutional capacity and a lack of collective will. The weakness of regional cooperation mechanisms, economic dependency relationships, a lack of coordination in the security sphere and fragmentation in intellectual output are among the key factors deepening this fragility. Consequently, efforts to find solutions must focus not only on the management of current crises but also on consolidating institutional structures and building a shared strategic vision.
This study also demonstrates that the Islamic world is not merely a region that generates problems, but one that possesses the potential to become an effective actor within the global system through the right strategic orientations and cooperation mechanisms. Its energy resources, strategic location along trade routes, young and dynamic demographic structure, and shared civilisational values form the cornerstones of this potential. However, realising this potential requires the adoption of an approach that is complementary rather than competitive, integrated rather than fragmented, and proactive rather than reactive.
Within this framework, the vision of an Islamic Union put forward by ASSAM can be regarded not merely as a theoretical proposal, but also as a strategic model aimed at ensuring justice, stability and sustainable development within the current global system. The establishment of institutional structures to bring Islamic countries together under a common will, the development of common security, economic and diplomatic policies, and the deepening of regional cooperation constitute the fundamental elements of this vision.
Consequently, this book goes beyond merely analysing the crises unfolding in Europe and Central Asia (Turkestan) to offer a strategic framework to resolve them. By combining academic insights with policy recommendations, this work serves as a guideline for decision-makers, researchers and all relevant stakeholders. In this respect, the book aims not only to help understand the current situation but also to contribute to the construction of a more just, balanced and sustainable international order.

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