Turkey is promoting new trade routes through Syria to bypass the Strait of Hormuz

Turkey is stepping up efforts to develop new transportation and energy routes in the Middle East, integrating Syria into the regional logistics system to create alternative routes between the Gulf states and Europe.

This is discussed in an analytical piece by Recep Tekke, an expert at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM), for Daily Sabah.

Against the backdrop of instability in the region and risks to traditional trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, Turkey is seeking to strengthen its role as a key logistics hub.

According to the analyst, Ankara is focusing on developing railways, highways, ports, and pipelines, and Syria, due to its geographical location, could become a vital link in this system.

One of the key projects is the revival of the “Four Seas Project,” which aims to connect the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean, the Black, and the Caspian Seas through transport and energy infrastructure.

In addition, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan have agreed to revive the historic Hejaz Railway with a subsequent connection to Saudi Arabia’s railway network.

As the author notes, the implementation of these initiatives could create a direct land corridor between the Gulf states and Europe, allowing for the bypassing of the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

It is expected that such projects could also contribute to Syria’s economic recovery and reshape the logistics landscape of the entire Middle East.

Earlier, Turkey joined the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

In January–April 2026, Turkey reduced imports of Russian goods by $3.5 billion, or 22.8%, compared to the same period last year.