Energy Resource Transfer Projects from the Caspian Sea Basin and Central Asia’s Geoeconomic Development, and its Reflection in Geography Education

Background and Objectives:: With the increasing global consumption of oil, the energy resources of the Caspian Sea have attracted growing attention from major international powers such as the United States, Russia, China, Japan, and the European Union. Due to their landlocked nature, Central Asian countries face significant geopolitical constraints in accessing open seas, making the transportation of oil and gas to global markets their most critical challenge. Consequently, reliance on energy transmission pipelines has become an unavoidable necessity. Alongside these geopolitical and geoeconomic dimensions, the study of the energy geography of the Caspian Sea can be employed as an applied topic in geography education, as analyzing the region’s location, routes, and spatial constraints contributes to a deeper understanding of key concepts such as spatial connectivity, regional dynamics, and environmental challenges, including the energy crisis. Moreover, examining Iran’s position within these processes can highlight, in geography education, the strategic importance of the country’s location and its role in resource management and energy security.. Method:: This study adopts a descriptive–analytical approach to examine Iran’s position in energy transfer projects in the Caspian Sea region and their role in the geoeconomic development of Central Asia. The research is qualitative in nature, and data were collected from documents and reliable sources. Finding:: The results indicate that limited waterways and dependence on overland routes have made Central Asian countries reliant on transit corridors through intermediary states. Owing to its outstanding geopolitical position, Iran can play a significant role in connecting these countries to open seas and global energy networks. Conclusion: Beyond its geoeconomic significance, this subject has considerable potential for geography education. It can contribute to enhancing spatial literacy, improving understanding of human–environment relationships, and teaching regional challenges such as water and energy crises.