The newly published analytical report “Insights beyond borders: Turkey-Armenia relations through public eyes” was presented during study-visits to Istanbul and Yerevan in October 2024. The report is the result of joint research commissioned to the Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC)-Armenia Foundation and the KONDA Research and Consultancy Company by HDF in 2023-2024 and it outlines the findings of an original primary research on the public perceptions in Armenia and Turkey about Turkey-Armenia normalisation.

In order to present the findings and the expert analysis which constitute the report, two study visits were held in Yerevan and Istanbul with the participation of the involved researchers and experts. The first study visit was to Yerevan between October 2-4, 2024 during which the researchers from KONDA had the opportunity to meet with their colleagues in Armenia and visit other research organisations and think tanks. On the final day of the study visit a presentation and discussion moderated by Hayk Smbatyan, Deputy Research Director at CRRC-Armenia, was held with the attendance of representatives from civil society, academia, foreign mission representatives and experts.

A reciprocal event was held on October 16-18, 2024 when members of the CRRC-Armenia team visited Istanbul. During this visit the researchers from Armenia had the opportunity to exchange ideas and know-how with experts in the same field in Turkey. An insightful and engaging presentation and discussion was moderated by Nigar Göksel, Turkey/Cyprus director with the International Crisis Group. Attending the event were representatives from academia, civil society and consulates.

The study visits provided an opportunity for the research centres not only to present the results of their joint work, but to become acquainted with their counterparts and civil society beyond the border. They were also a unique opportunity for the participants to recognise the culture and people of the neighbouring country.

Both study-visits were supported by the Friedrich-Ebert Foundation, Turkey office.