Survey Shows 56% of Armenians Oppose Reopening Border with Turkey

A survey has revealed that a majority of Armenia’s population is against reopening the border with Turkey. The International Republican Institute (IRI), with support from the Brevis analytical organization, conducted the survey from September 13 to 25, 2024, gathering opinions from 1,500 residents across the country. The survey also included Armenians who had been forcibly displaced from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

The results showed that 56% of respondents opposed reopening the border between Armenia and Turkey. A significant concern raised by many of the respondents was the potential security risks. Specifically, 46% of those surveyed believed that allowing unrestricted entry of Turks and Azerbaijanis into Armenia could create an unsafe environment. The ongoing aggression and unresolved issues between Armenia and these neighboring countries likely play a key role in this strong opposition.

The border between Armenia and Turkey has been closed since 1993, following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Over the years, there have been numerous discussions about reopening it, particularly to boost trade and economic ties. However, the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and ongoing diplomatic tensions have hindered progress in normalizing relations between the two countries. For many Armenians, the potential risks of opening the border, especially related to national security, outweigh any possible economic benefits.

While some people in Armenia support the idea of restoring ties with Turkey, seeing it as an opportunity to improve the economy and create new opportunities, this survey shows that the majority of the population remains deeply cautious. The concerns are not only rooted in historical animosities but also in the current geopolitical situation, including relations with Azerbaijan. 

The results of this survey reflect the complex and emotional nature of Armenia’s relationship with its neighbors. Any future decisions about reopening the border will likely continue to face significant public opposition unless the security concerns raised by the Armenian people are addressed.