Turkey is increasingly leveraging its economic and political capital to expand its influence across the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on infrastructure development and the establishment of religious projects such as mosques. Analysts and regional observers note that these initiatives are part of a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at securing Ankara’s strategic interests in the region. The country’s efforts are seen as a way to counterbalance the influence of Western powers and traditional allies such as Greece and Serbia.
Infrastructure investments, including the construction of highways and energy projects, are being used as a form of economic diplomacy by Turkey. These projects are often accompanied by the development of religious monuments, which serve as a means to promote Turkish culture and heritage in the region. The construction of mosques, in particular, has been a strategic move to strengthen ties with local Muslim communities and reinforce Ankara’s influence over the political and cultural landscape of the Western Balkans.
Regional experts warn that these developments could lead to increased tensions among the countries in the region, as the construction of such projects may be perceived as an attempt to impose Turkish influence on local governance and identity. The implications of Turkey’s growing presence in the Western Balkans are significant for the region’s political dynamics, especially as these states seek to maintain their sovereignty and independence amidst rising external pressures.