Business Diplomat: Commerce, Culture and Diplomacy

As economic relations become increasingly intertwined with diplomacy, culture, and regional identity, the concept of the “Business Diplomat” offers a new framework for understanding cooperation across the Turkic world. In this interview, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Evkuran discusses how young professionals can contribute to stronger, more institutional, and mutually beneficial relations among Turkic states, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond traditional state-to-state diplomacy toward sustainable networks built through trade, education, and culture.

Within this broader framework, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Evkuran’s academic perspective provides a valuable foundation for examining the cultural, intellectual, and historical dimensions that underpin such regional cooperation. Known for his academic work on the search for identity in the Turkic world, theology, spirituality, and social values, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Evkuran offers a broader perspective on how these concepts are evolving in today’s world. In particular, he highlights the role of shared historical and cultural heritage in shaping the future of the Turkic world, while examining the significance of identity, values, and cultural ties within a changing international system.

Within this framework, the interview also explores the concept of the “Business Diplomat” from the perspective of the Turkic world. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Evkuran discusses the potential of the Business Diplomat approach—positioned at the intersection of the business world and diplomatic culture—to strengthen shared values, foster a culture of communication and cooperation among younger generations, and enhance the Turkic world’s capacity for international engagement.

Ayşe Nur Karagöz: What does the name Business Diplomat evoke for you? What are the first three things that come to your mind?

Prof. Dr. Mehmet EVKURAN: The three concepts that Business Diplomat evokes for me, in order, are as follows:

• The reconfiguration of commercial activity as the most effective, sustainable, and creative undertaking.

• The consideration of commerce through a holistic approach that encompasses not only commercial but also other influential factors.

• Establishing bridges between commerce and domains such as culture, politics, and bureaucracy.

Discourse Analysis

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Evkuran's conceptualization of the Business Diplomat platform emphasizes the necessity of reconceptualizing commerce not merely as an economic activity but as a multidimensional system. The first point indicates a need to enhance efficiency and creativity in commercial transactions. Rather than adhering to conventional commercial relations, the framework proposes innovative and sustainable models.

The second point demonstrates that commerce cannot be divorced from political, cultural, and bureaucratic factors. A nation's foreign trade policy is influenced by its security strategy, cultural values, and administrative structure; therefore, an approach that accounts for these influences is imperative.

The third point underscores the function of establishing linkages among these elements. The Business Diplomat platform operates precisely at this intersection, aiming to cultivate professionals who comprehend the sociopolitical context of commercial relations and who master the language of diplomacy in conducting business. This perspective indicates that regional commercial integration requires not only sectoral competencies but also strategic and cultural depth of understanding.

Ayşe Nur Karagöz: What does establishing a network of young business diplomats among Turkic states and neighboring geographies bring to regional trade?

Prof. Dr. Mehmet EVKURAN: Critical steps must be taken in relations with the Turkic world. At the macro level, while impressive high-level institutional relations do inspire confidence, they remain quite fragile. At the micro level, close cooperation must be established in education, commerce, art, and culture, among other domains. Relations should progress on a foundation where strong institutional traditions underpin them, rather than being person-centric.

CRITICAL NOTE: We must abandon the rhetoric that presents Turkey as a "big brother state" or "senior brother." We should avoid exacerbating historical rivalries in the Turkic world. Instead, an environment of mutual gain should be fostered. The cultural, economic, and natural wealth we possess represents our greatest asset. When the right steps are taken, a "Turkish Renaissance" becomes inevitable.

Discourse Analysis

Evkuran's observations clarify the rationale for the existence of the Business Diplomat platform. While conventional state diplomacy operates at the macro level, it remains fragile. Business Diplomat, conversely, operates precisely at the "micro level" that Evkuran emphasizes—educating youth in commerce and culture, thereby constructing institutional relationship networks.

The platform aims to establish business relations based on equality and mutual benefit, replacing hierarchical "big brother-little brother" dynamics in the Turkic world. As young professionals specialize in their respective fields, conditions of confidence and optimism are cultivated throughout the region.

Business Diplomat serves as the instrument for implementing Evkuran's discourse. What macro-level politics has failed to achieve—establishing equal-based, institutional, and lasting partnerships throughout the region—can be accomplished through grassroots commercial cooperation among young professionals.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Evkuran’s reflections highlight that the future of cooperation in the Turkic world depends not only on high-level political relations but also on strong institutional and people-to-people connections. From this perspective, the Business Diplomat model can serve as a bridge between commerce, diplomacy, and culture, empowering a new generation to build partnerships based on equality, mutual benefit, and shared values. Such an approach may ultimately contribute to deeper regional integration and a more connected and influential Turkic world.

For more information:

http://businessdiplomat.org