Turkey and Iran: political rivalry and economic cooperation through the ages

Turkey and Iran from the ancient times have been experiencing severe confrontation and simultaneously close interdependence in the economic field that has considerable impact on modern international relations in the Middle East and Post-Soviet space. Rivalry of both countries is strengthened by Sunni-Shia divide in Muslim world and support of different sides in Armenia - Azerbaijan conflict. Special importance in the mutual relations of neighbours has competition in the Southern Caucasus, which is important with its energy rich Azerbaijan and creation of land routes for Caspian oil and gas to Europe in order to lessen dependency of the European Union on Russian energy. Using close relations with Azerbaijan, Turkey makes all efforts to become an energy bridge between energy resources of Caspian Sea and European consumers. On the other hand, Turkey is deeply interested in Iranian gas because of the geographic proximity and huge resources of the supplier.