Shusha Declaration and the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Alliance: An Analysis from the Perspective of Turkology
The Shusha Declaration, signed by Türkiye and Azerbaijan on 15 June 2021, represents a significant milestone in the contemporary evolution of bilateral relations between the two states. Although the Declaration has frequently been examined within the frameworks of security cooperation, regional geopolitics, and post-conflict dynamics in the South Caucasus, its cultural and identity-based dimensions have received comparatively limited scholarly attention. This study approaches the Shusha Declaration from the perspective of Turkology and examines its significance within the historical continuum of Türkiye–Azerbaijan relations. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of shared historical memory, common linguistic heritage, cultural affinity, and collective identity in shaping interstate cooperation. Employing qualitative document analysis, the article evaluates the extent to which the Declaration reflects and institutionalizes long-standing historical and cultural ties between the two countries. The study argues that the document should be understood not only as a framework for institutionalized allied relations but also as an important expression of a shared Turkic identity articulated through contemporary political and institutional mechanisms. By linking Turkology with the study of interstate relations, the article contributes to a broader understanding of alliance formation, identity construction, and the evolving role of the Turkic World in regional affairs.

Keywords
Shusha Declaration; Türkiye–Azerbaijan Relations; Turkology; Turkic Identity; Collective Memory; Tu