Fact Check: Turkey Closed Its Border with Armenia in 1993, Supporting Azerbaijan
What We Know
In 1993, Turkey officially closed its border with Armenia in response to the escalating conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Armenian forces were engaged in military actions against Azerbaijan. This closure was a strategic move to support Azerbaijan, a close ally of Turkey, amidst the ongoing hostilities over the disputed region (Wikipedia). The border remains closed to this day, despite various attempts at diplomatic normalization between the two nations (CivilNet).
The historical context of this closure is rooted in a complex relationship characterized by deep-seated animosity, particularly stemming from the Armenian Genocide during World War I and the territorial disputes that have persisted since the dissolution of the Soviet Union (Dornsife). The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which reignited in the early 1990s, further solidified Turkey's alignment with Azerbaijan, as both countries share ethnic, cultural, and linguistic ties (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim that Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 to support Azerbaijan is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Wikipedia entry on Armenia–Turkey relations explicitly states that Turkey reacted to the Nagorno-Karabakh war by closing its border with Armenia, which aligns with the timeline of events during that period. Furthermore, a report from CivilNet reiterates that the border closure was a direct consequence of the conflict, emphasizing Turkey's unwavering support for Azerbaijan.
The source from Dornsife provides a broader understanding of the historical animosity between Armenia and Turkey, highlighting how this relationship has been shaped by past violence and territorial claims. It also notes that the closure of the border has contributed to Armenia's geopolitical isolation, reinforcing the strategic implications of Turkey's decision (Dornsife).
While the sources used are generally reliable, it is important to note that the Wikipedia entry, while informative, can be edited by anyone, which may introduce potential biases or inaccuracies. However, the corroboration from other sources, such as CivilNet and Dornsife, lends credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that "Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993, supporting Azerbaijan" is True. The evidence from multiple sources confirms that Turkey's border closure was a direct response to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and was intended to support its ally, Azerbaijan. This action has had lasting implications for Armenian-Turkish relations and has contributed to Armenia's isolation in the region.
