Berdzor Airport Opening: A Symbol of Shifting Power Dynamics in the Caucasus

Berdzor Airport Opening: A Symbol of Shifting Power Dynamics in the Caucasus. The opening of a new airport in Berdzor, a town in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, marks a significant step in the aftermath of the 2020 conflict. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan jointly inaugurated the facility, a move interpreted by some as a demonstration of Azerbaijan's solidified control over the territory. The event was heavily publicized by Azerbaijani and Turkish media, showcasing the airport's infrastructure and highlighting the economic opportunities it is expected to create. However, Armenian communities displaced from the region view the opening as a further symbol of their loss and ongoing displacement. "This is a blatant disregard for international law and the rights of the Armenian people," stated one displaced Armenian resident. The airport's opening underscores the complex geopolitical realities of the region, where competing narratives and unresolved disputes continue to shape the lives of those affected. The international community's response to this development will be crucial in determining the future of the region and the prospects for lasting peace.