Tirana: Turkey is actively working to expand its geopolitical influence in the Western Balkans by investing in infrastructure and religious landmarks, notably mosques. Observers note that these projects are integral to Ankara’s strategic agenda in the region.
According to Deutsche Welle, the Namazgah mosque in Tirana, Albania, stands as a prominent example of Turkey’s involvement. Partly funded with approximately £30 million ($34 million) by the Turkish religious authority Diyanet, the mosque is inspired by the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul and can accommodate around 8,000 worshippers.
In recent times, Turkey has surpassed Saudi Arabia as the leading nation in funding new mosques in the Western Balkans. Following the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, Saudi Arabia was initially the main sponsor for rebuilding mosques, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, with President Erdogan’s rise to power in the early 2000s, Turkey began taking the lead. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has shifted focus to its Vision 2030, emphasizing the restoration of historic mosques within its borders.
Rebecca Byrant, a cultural anthropology expert at Utrecht University, describes Turkey’s actions as “infrastructure imperialism.” She explains that Turkey’s mosque-building efforts are part of a broader infrastructure policy that extends beyond the Western Balkans to regions such as the Caucasus, Central Asia, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. The strategy includes diverse projects from railroads to shopping districts, with significant Turkish investment in locations like Sarajevo, Batumi, Astana, and northern Cyprus.
Bryant highlights that Turkish construction companies, many with direct ties to Erdogan, have played a crucial role in shaping the modern skyline of Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital. She views these developments as geopolitical statements, with Erdogan using historical, ethnic, and religious ties to promote a vision of a modern and unified future that contrasts with Western models.
Turkey’s mega-projects, such as those in Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus, where Erdogan inaugurated a complex featuring governmental and hospitality facilities, underscore this strategic vision. According to Bryant, these projects are designed to convey a message of modernity and shared destiny between Turkey and its partner regions.
