The Caspian littoral countries (Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan) share a common civilizational heritage in their coastal societies. This region has historically been a center for commercial, linguistic, and cultural exchanges, which contributed to the formation of shared values and traditions in these communities. These shared roots have led ECO member states to emphasize historical commonalities during cultural events and traditional celebrations, thereby fostering dialogue and cultural cooperation.
The Caspian Sea is also one of the richest regions in the world in terms of oil and natural gas resources. Major oil and gas fields are especially located along the coasts of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. Important Caspian ports include Bandar-e Anzali and Amirabad (Iran), Baku (Azerbaijan), Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan), and Aktau (Kazakhstan).
The Caspian Sea is not merely a body of water but a shared geopolitical space and an energy security corridor connecting East and West. It serves not only as a natural resource but also as a cultural and historical bridge among the region’s nations.
Moreover, due to its natural environment, coasts, and tourist attractions, the Caspian Sea has become a focus for cultural and tourism cooperation among ECO member states, such as joint cultural tourism programs, exchanges of artists, writers, and researchers, and the organization of cultural and artistic festivals in coastal cities. These initiatives have increased mutual understanding among the populations and fostered positive perceptions of one another.
At the same time, the languages, music, rituals, and lifestyles of Caspian coastal societies share notable similarities. Among ECO member countries along the Caspian, one can observe common cultural traits influenced by ancient Iranian, Turkish, and Russian cultures in language, art, and architecture. Local music, water structures, and the use of traditional instruments such as the tar, dutar, and kamancheh are other shared elements. Commonalities also extend to cuisine, including seafood and dishes based on grains, meat, and fish, traditional fishing methods, carpets, textiles, pottery, and handicrafts prevalent in the region. These shared traits have become the basis for cultural dialogue and exchanges in ECO programs, including holding of conferences, exhibitions, and providing cultural projects.
In essence, the Caspian Sea symbolizes a shared regional identity for ECO member states, emphasizing the preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of local languages and dialects, and the development of regional and cultural projects, thereby attracting the attention of cultural elites to regional cooperation.
Since the Caspian Sea serves as a bridge between the Asian and European parts of the member countries, its cultural exchanges reflect the convergence of Eastern and Western influences. Through this sea, countries can share their cultural experiences and traditional knowledge using educational programs.
Therefore, within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI), conferences can be organized focusing on the history and civilizations surrounding the Caspian, the Sea’s role in Silk Road cultural exchanges, and the intangible heritage of coastal communities. So far, exhibitions on the Caspian, literary works by writers and poets about the shared Caspian identity, and films and documentaries on coastal life have created common cultural inspirations that provide a platform for civilizational dialogue and regional integration.