ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses bilateral relations between Kosovo and Turkey during the 2008–2022 period. On 17 February 2008, Kosovo declared its independence and became the newest state in Europe. Just like Albania, Germany, France, the United States, Italy, or the United Kingdom (UK), Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo's independence. Following the official recognition, Kosovo and Turkey established diplomatic relations. However, Turkey, a Eurasian emerging/rising power, mobilized two political instruments of influence: neo-Ottomanism as a geopolitical doctrine, and interference in Kosovo's internal affairs. Through its multidimensional and proactive policy, Turkey has extended its influence in Kosovo to the political, economic, media, educational, cultural, and religious spheres. Nevertheless, the projection of Turkish influence is encountering obstacles in Kosovo. A significant number of Kosovo Albanians do not see Kosovo's relations with Turkey as positive due to Ankara's interference in the internal affairs of the state, the Islamic agenda, the lack of transparency of its investments, or even the slippage of the Turkish regime towards authoritarianism. The period of Ottoman occupation and domination is also viewed negatively. Therefore, although Kosovo is cooperating in some areas with Turkey, it is also suspicious and critical of Ankara's influence and interference.
