Tokayev visits Turkey, and Erdogan awards him a medal. Both Turkey and Kazakhstan consider themselves nations of the Turkic bloodline, with deep familial ties. The two countries walk hand in hand, with genuine feelings! Regarding Turkic states, there are many in Central Asia and the Middle East. However, it is important to note that during the ancient Sui and Tang dynasties, the Turkic people were suppressed by the Han Chinese to the point of having no space for survival. Later, they were forcibly divided into the Eastern and Western Turks. The Eastern Turks surrendered to the Tang Dynasty entirely and became subjects of the Tang. The Western Turks were chased by the Tang army all the way, even reaching the current regions of the Caucasus countries.

Today, Central Asia and the Middle East are full of Turkic states. Ultimately, it was the strength of the Tang army that drove these nomadic Turkic tribes to Central and Western Asia. Therefore, the Tang Dynasty's reputation still spreads far and wide today. Because the Turkic states are now rising, perhaps they all miss the East, but the East has a powerful country, which is the country of the Han Chinese.

Turkey used to look westward, trying to leave Asia and join Europe, but it clearly failed. Europe would not accept Turkey because it is an Islamic state, while most European countries are Christian. Turkey has been applying for EU membership for decades and has not been able to enter the EU, so Turkey has basically given up hope. Now, Turkey's main goal is to look eastward.

Turkey currently has a close relationship with Azerbaijan, being an actual ally. Then, Turkey intends to manage Armenia, and then develop eastward, through Azerbaijan, connecting to the five Central Asian countries, bringing Turkey's influence under the Central Asian countries. That is, digging under Russia's feet, these former Soviet countries are all targets for Turkey to exploit.

However, Turkey's biggest task is to become the leader of the Turkic states. Turkey has its reasons for doing this. But obviously, Kazakhstan also has its own ideas. Kazakhstan's area is more than three times that of Turkey, and although its population is not as large as Turkey's, it does have some strength. It would be difficult for Kazakhstan to become a subordinate of Turkey. However, the fact that the two countries are east and west, respectively, can truly cooperate.

Kazakhstan is the easternmost Turkic state, while Turkey is the westernmost Turkic state. They are both developing east and west, striving for their position within the Turkic states. Turkey and Kazakhstan will become bright stars for a while, both competing for the top position among the Turkic states.

Currently, Turkey has stronger power and a more important position, but Turkey has forgotten that the major powers around it will not allow Turkey to grow so large. Just one Israel, Turkey cannot handle, let alone the north where there is Russia, and the east where there is a great power. It is developing trade by relying on the Belt and Road Initiative towards the West. So, Turkey's idea is good, but it may not be able to complete it.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839139152231428/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.