Abstract
HAZAR DENIZININ HUKUKI STATÜSÜ
The legal status of the Caspian Sea has been a complex issue at the intersection of international law and regional geopolitics since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This study analyzes the historical evolution of the Caspian's legal status, the shifting positions of the littoral states (Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan), and the geopolitical interests that have shaped these stances. It examines the legal vacuum created by the transition from the Soviet era, which was governed by bilateral treaties, to the post-1991 period that necessitated five-party negotiations. The focal point of the study is the 2018 Aktau Convention, which established a sui generis (of its own kind) status for the Caspian. The Convention's success in ending the legal uncertainty and providing a framework for cooperation is critically assessed alongside the unresolved issues it leaves, such as the final delimitation of maritime borders. In conclusion, it is emphasized that while the Convention is a historic step, continued diplomatic negotiations remain crucial for the sustainable management of the region's resources and the achievement of full stability.
Keywords
Caspian Sea, Legal Status, Aktau Convention, International Law, Regional Geopolitics
