TIKA in Tajikistan: Turkey’s soft influence in competition with Iran and Russia

Through its Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Turkey has expanded its presence in Tajikistan with health, education, and relief projects.

These activities, which appear to be humanitarian, are part of Ankara’s soft influence strategy in Central Asia. A closer analysis of TIKA projects in Tajikistan shows that Turkey pursues specific geopolitical and cultural goals in the country.

The importance of Tajikistan for Turkish foreign policy

Tajikistan, as a Persian-speaking country and a gateway to Central Asia, is of strategic importance to Türkiye. On the one hand, Tajikistan is a close neighbor to Afghanistan, and on the other hand, the influence of powers such as China, Russia, and Iran in this country has caused Turkey to use soft influence tools to strengthen its position. In this framework, TİKA, as the executive arm of Turkey's soft influence in the cultural and economic fields, plays a prominent role in strengthening this presence.

After Tajikistan gained independence in 1991, TİKA quickly began its activities in Tajikistan as the soft influence arm of Turkey in target countries in 1992. The TİKA Program Coordination Office was established in 2000 in the country's capital, Dushanbe. The agency's projects in Tajikistan have focused on various areas, including education, health, and social development.

1. Renovation of the Bukhtar Central Hospital Dialysis Center

TİKA renovated and equipped the Bukhtar Hospital Dialysis Center in the Khatlan region, which has a population of approximately 3.5 million. The project installed new dialysis machines and a modern water purification system.

Until now, patients had to travel to the capital for treatment, but with the relaunch of the center, access to vital treatments has become easier. In addition to improving the quality of healthcare services, this measure has helped to raise Turkey's profile locally.

2. Supporting Tajikistan's fight against COVID-19

At the height of the coronavirus crisis, TİKA organized the production and distribution of 100,000 protective masks and 1,000 medical gowns for healthcare workers and high-risk groups in Tajikistan. Such humanitarian actions, while helping to meet urgent needs, are also a tool for expanding Turkey's soft power in crisis-hit areas.

3. Establishment of a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities in Dushanbe

TİKA established and equipped a fully equipped rehabilitation center for people with disabilities in the capital of Tajikistan. The project, by filling the gap in support services, introduces Turkey as a "supporter of social development" and at the same time strengthens the emotional and political ties between the two countries.

4. Providing underwater search equipment to the emergency situations committee of Tajikistan

TİKA provided underwater search equipment to the Emergency Situations Committee of Tajikistan. This equipment was the first of its kind in Tajikistan and paved the way for joint search and rescue training courses between the two countries. In addition to the technical aspect, this project practically links the civil defense capacities of Tajikistan to Turkey and creates technical dependence.

A review of TİKA projects in Tajikistan shows that Turkey seeks to consolidate its influence in the heart of Central Asia through technical and humanitarian assistance. The use of health diplomacy, support for social infrastructure, and the expansion of security cooperation are all part of Turkey’s strategy of gradual and gradual influence. It is important to note that in most of these projects, Turkey seeks not only humanitarian assistance but also technical, institutional, and symbolic dependence.

Despite their small size and low cost, TİKA projects provide space for Turkey to expand its cultural, economic, and political influence in Tajikistan by creating an image of a benevolent and responsible actor.

At the same time, these activities indicate a hidden competition with actors such as China, Iran, and Russia in the region, where “development assistance” has become a tool for geopolitical games.

Finally, although TİKA projects have played a positive role in improving social services in Tajikistan, these efforts need to be assessed within the framework of a larger strategy of soft influence and regional competition.