It has been an urban legend for years: “If only the Armenian gate were opened, Kars would be a success!” I know, there are those who are absolutely opposed to what I have written, “We have everything ready” There will be those who will say. But reality is colder than geopolitical excitement. My fellow citizens of Kars will understand what I mean: An unprepared opening of the gates would not be a development for Kars, but at best a porter for the trade of others. Politically, opening the gates may be a peace project, but economics does not recognize sentimentality.
3 Million or 86 Million? The Power of Counter Motivation
From Kars, we see a market of 3 million people with limited purchasing power behind the door. However, the other side of the coin is much sharper: From the Armenian side, behind the gate lies a huge population of 86 million, an enormous production power and a dynamic market. For them, this door is a lifeline to the world. That is why their motivation, readiness and strategic appetite far exceed our local inertia. We are “let's see if it opens” while they may already be planning how to infiltrate this huge market.
Ani Ruins: Opportunity or Observation Deck?
Ani Ruins, Kars' global brand, is the most sensitive point in this door equation. We see Ani only as a “residue” while the other side of the border is more concerned with strategies to monetize this cultural heritage than we are. If Armenia's boutique service culture overshadows our inadequate infrastructure, instead of staying in Kars, tourists will be traveling across the border. “story” will go to buy it. Will Ani become the heart of Kars' economy, or just a viewing terrace from across the border?
One Hundred Years of Longing and the Return of the Muhajirs
A significant number of Kars residents are the children of immigrant families whose ancestors migrated from what is now Armenia 100 years ago. When this door opens, “seeing your ancestral land” The number of domestic tourists who will flow from Kars to Kars will be much higher than the number of tourists who will come here from Kars. If we cannot create centers of attraction that will keep our own people in Kars, the money of Kars shopkeepers will flow to the other side of the border on weekend vacations. Tourism will become a means of carrying money in our pockets instead of bringing it to Kars. “economic evacuation” can turn into a tool.
The Threat of Cheap Labor and Employment
Another danger is the low-wage labor force that may come from across the border. The cheap labor force of our highly motivated neighbors may become a partner to the bread of young Kars residents in construction, in the fields or in the service sector. This may trigger unemployment and social unrest in our city, which is already emigrating. The state will protect Kars workers in this regard. “Special Region Incentives”before the door is opened.
Solution: “Made in Kars” Seal and Service Base
A place where trucks just park “parking lot” It will not develop Kars. We need “Logistics Factories” necessary. The product should be stored, packaged and stamped with the Kars seal in Kars. We also need to make Kars a “Regional Health and Technical Service Base” to the neighboring countries. Instead of a patient from Armenia or a tradesman looking for qualified technical services going to neighboring countries “solution” It must be found in Kars. Added value is not only carrying trucks, but also putting Kars' signature on the products and services inside the truck.
Conclusion: Will We Eat Goose or Be “Bait”?
Kars residents love their hometown, but this love is now only “listening to minstrels and eating drumsticks on goose nights” must go forward. Businessmen from Kars, who have built giant factories in Istanbul and Izmir, should show your debt to your homeland not only by building schools, but also by “Cross Border Service Factories” it's time to pay up.
If we fail to take these strategic steps before the opening of the gate, Kars will remain just a tired stop for trucks to pass through. Otherwise, on the table of Kars, which cannot brand its own potential, “Eating Armenian Excavation instead of Kars Excavation” will be the preparation for a bitter end. When that door opens tomorrow morning, Kars will have “ready to sell” how many brands will there be? Or will we still be at the rusty rails, singing folk songs with the pseudonyms of minstrels after lost opportunities?
Author's Note This article is not a stance against the opening of the gates; it is a strategic warning so that when the gates open, my fellow citizens of Kars will not be trapped under them.