Ani Bridge in Armenia-Turkey talks meant to evoke emotions, expert says

Turkologist Varuzhan Geghamyan argues that references to Ani Bridge in ongoing Armenia-Turkey normalization talks are not accidental but part of Turkey's diplomatic strategy.

“Turkey knows Armenia and the Armenian people very well. They are fully aware of the importance of historical memory and our deep attachment to Western Armenia, now under Turkish control,” Geghamyan wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

According to him, this knowledge helps Ankara shape policies aimed at gradually expanding its influence over Armenia. He highlighted that joint cultural initiatives, most notably the symbolic restoration of the Ani Bridge along the Silk Road, resurface after almost every meeting between Armenian and Turkish officials

Geghamyan emphasized that the bridge has no real practical value for Armenia. Instead, its inclusion in talks is meant to evoke emotions tied to the lost homeland and divert public attention from other negotiation points that, he warned, could push Armenia deeper into Turkey’s sphere of influence.

“This is a classic tactic of experienced Turkish diplomacy,” he concluded.