Turkish economic expansion in Syria… threat to industry, sovereignty

 A few days ago, the "Turkish-Syrian Businessmen Forum" (B2B) was held at the Umayyad Hall in Damascus, with the participation of about 25 Turkish companies representing various industrial and economic sectors. The event was organized by the "Yusuf Oğlu Group for International Relations and Investment" in coordination with Syrian chamber federations.

The forum was attended by the Turkish ambassador to Damascus, several heads of industrial, agricultural, and commercial chambers, alongside businessmen from the Turkish side.

This forum is one of several events frequently organized by Turkish entities daily inside Syrian territory, encompassing economic, social, and religious activities that highlight an increasing Turkish presence in the Syrian landscape.

The "Yusuf Oğlu Group" is known for its owner, Yusuf Katib Oğlu's, complete alignment with Turkish President Erdoğan's policies. He is a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey and regularly appears at various events defending Erdoğan and his policies.

This Turkish movement comes amid rising regional and international warnings about the shift of Turkish involvement in Syria from a temporary military presence to a long-term occupation. Turkey is seeking to penetrate Syrian society through economic, social, and religious tools, in what analysts describe as "Turkish behavior exceeding diplomatic coordination to the level of de facto guardianship."

Experts have also pointed out that the ruling Justice and Development Party aims to export an ideological model based on political Islam to Syria. They cite, as evidence, the foundation stone laid for the "House of Peace Educational Project," affiliated with the Turkish Religious Foundation, which includes a school, housing, and a mosque. These steps are seen as attempts to reshape Syrian identity according to Turkish authorities’ vision while sidelining the diverse cultural symbols that characterize Syrian society. For example, Syrian public holidays such as Nowruz, Akitu, and others have been excluded from official holiday lists, alongside the cancellation of Martyrs' Day, which commemorates Syrians executed by Turkish authorities in Marjeh Square.

Observers believe these kinds of activities fall within Ankara’s efforts to strengthen economic and cultural ties with Damascus. Meanwhile, others view them as indicators of the Turkish authorities' intent to establish broader influence in the country.

Economically, participating companies focused on sectors such as textiles, clothing, construction, decoration, and reconstruction, while Turkish agencies continue expanding support for development projects inside Syria. However, some Syrian industrialists have voiced concerns that these activities might lead to unfair competition against local products, amid a clear lack of broad participation by Syrian industrialists and business owners, who preferred to merely observe the forum without active engagement.

On another front, legal experts argue that the Turkish occupation of several areas in Syria has illegal dimensions, raising issues related to national sovereignty and the future governance of those regions.

Opinions diverge between those who see these activities as opportunities to enhance economic relations and rebuild trust between the two sides, and those who consider them indirect means to expand Turkish influence within Syrian society, against the backdrop of the sensitive regional political landscape and intertwined bilateral issues.

ANHA