From Cultural Diversity to Cultural Affinity: Turkey As A Mediator Between East and West

“One Belt and One Road” project, currently being implemented by China, is of great interest to Turkey. Although Turkey is not directly included in the project, if the project succeeds the resulting change in the international balance of trade would certainly affect Turkey. The project, which can also be called a 21st century reimagining of the original Silk Road, will not only make China's products and natural resources more readily available for global trade but will have the same effect on Turkestan states (Central Asian states) like from this point on, Turkey will continue its role as both a cultural and geographical bridge between Europe and Asia. In this study, the benefits and risks of the “One Belt and One Road” project will not be discussed. The focal point of this study will be on the cultural and historical bond between Anatolian Turks and Turkestan Turks and from this basis, the cooperation opportunities between China, Turkestan and Turkey. This is a precursor to a more comprehensive study.