The Sleeping Giant: Iğdır – Part 3

Our Iğdır, bordering three countries, could quickly transform into the most popular city in Turkey and the South Caucasus with the right mission and vision. What needs to be done for this is not difficult. Iğdır, with its fertile land, geographical location, and Mount Ararat, is already a natural harbinger of this important mission. When its human wealth and mosaic are correctly configured (or perceived), the resulting social power will contribute to its logistical position, thus creating an unstoppable synergy.

The weakest point of our Iğdır, located on a fault line of different ethnic and sectarian groups (Iğdır's Achilles' Heel), is that instead of turning this diversity into a richness, it periodically succumbs to discrimination and political rivalry. As a result, amidst the chaos and social fragility that emerge, it contents itself with planning its daily life from a narrow perspective. Remaining in political and social turmoil, Iğdır finds it impossible to foresee its own future, in a sense delegating this task to the state (top-down), and contenting itself with the mission attributed to it from above. Iğdır must now define itself with a "bottom-up" vision and in line with the expectations of its own people, convince the state, and, by pushing the limits of its resources, transform Iğdır into a popular city "with its own hands."

In this process, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have an extraordinary role to play. The power that will recreate Iğdır is neither the state nor political authority. The only power that can bring a new vision to Iğdır is CSOs. Only CSOs can create a bottom-up vision, open it for public discussion, break centuries-old "taboos," and forge a new path. The university and our esteemed Rector, in particular, bear a great responsibility in coordinating CSOs and uniting them into a single voice.

Within the framework of a short article, we can group the areas in which our Iğdır can make breakthroughs under the following main headings:

1. Logistics, Transportation, and Shipping Center
   1. Creation of trade routes: Road, railway, international airport
   2. Warehouse / Depot Management: Establishment of centers for storing commercial products
   3. Creation of a distribution network
2. Modern Urban Planning
   1. Prevention of unplanned urbanization
   2. Design of unique architecture
   3. Creation of satellite cities
3. Branding: Iğdır does not have any product with brand value.
   1. Creation of brands for agricultural products: (Canned goods, jams, pickles, etc.)
   2. Creation of brands for animal products: (Cheese, butter, yogurt, etc.)
   3. Packaging of Iğdır-specific spices and opening them to the global market
   4. Promotion of organic farming
4. Tourism
   1. Contrary to popular belief, our Iğdır can transform into an important tourism center. Mount Ararat is an important asset that Iğdır possesses in this regard. The establishment of a cable car system, ski resorts, support for faith tourism, etc., will add value to Iğdır.
   2. Natural parks should be created, and Iğdır's unique flora (plants) and fauna (animals) should be protected.
   3. Forested areas should be created.
5. Industrialization:
   1. Iğdır has not been able to make a breakthrough in industrialization.
   2. It should address issues such as a sugar factory, textile industry, meat processing plant, etc.
   3. Assembly industry should be encouraged due to its logistical location.
   4. Small businesses in Iğdır have a strong culture. A covered bazaar similar to the one in Tabriz should be created.
   5. Weaving industries such as carpet making should be encouraged.
   6. A will should be demonstrated for the establishment of an interstate "Free Zone."
6. Cultural breakthrough:
   1. Iğdır must address its deficiencies in cultural areas such as museums, cinemas, bookstores, and theaters.
   2. The newly implemented Book Fair and similar events should be sustained.
   3. Houses remaining from the Tsarist Russian period should be preserved and converted into museums.
   4. Local dishes should be given a new character in gastronomy and branded.
   5. Festivals should be transformed into international attractions.
7. Expansion of Universities and Higher Education Institutions:
   1. Especially with International Education Projects, the arrival of foreign students should be encouraged, and effective plans should be implemented in this direction.
   2. Within the framework of regional cooperation, student exchange with Armenia, Nakhchivan, and Iran should be encouraged. As a border province, Iğdır can go beyond the framework of state policy with "special agreements" and assert its own will.
8. Symposium center:
   1. Due to its location, Iğdır can host symposiums between South Caucasus countries and Turkey, and large hotels and symposium centers can be established.
   2. Scientific studies on Earthquake Risk and Nuclear Leakage should be carried out seriously, and the public should be informed.
9. It should make a breakthrough in renewable energy such as wind and solar energy.
10. The strengthening and widespread adoption of Civil Society Organizations is very important for Iğdır. Every step taken in this direction should be supported, and their development should be facilitated.
11. Health Center:
    1. Iğdır should take steps in the health sector and be transformed into a regional center where the most modern devices are used.
12. All kinds of sports should be encouraged, and award-winning athletes should be supported.
13. Local and regional cooperation should be developed between Armenia, Nakhchivan, and Iran. CSOs should act together to create a strong voice for the unconditional opening of the three border gates and convince the state in this direction.