doi: 10.20991/allazimuth.1548202 All Azimuth V0, N0, 2024, 1-21

Considering the existing processes in the literature, this study aligns the formation of the Black Sea Region with the understanding of the stages of region-building and proposes new stages of region-building, influenced by the first and second waves of regionalisation processes. [...] The first stage is the identification of the Black Sea Region; the second stage involves the historical roots of political relations in the region; the third stage is the establishment of regional cooperation, taking into account the concept of regional international society; the fourth stage is the geo- psychological aspect of the Black Sea Region; and lastly, the fifth stage has been formulated. [...] The “Greater Black Sea” concept emerged not on the basis of geography but as a result of struggle between great powers on politics, economics, and security.29 The Black Sea is not an inland lake, but a gateway to the Mediterranean and a bridge between the Balkans and the Caucasus; the countries bordering the Black Sea (Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine) and the neighbouring. [...] The establishment of historical and political relations After the identification of the borders of the region, the second stage stipulates the formation of historical relations among main actors in the region. [...] In the 18th century, the rivalry between Ottoman Empire-Russia was escalated by Catherine II due to the policy of accessing the warm waters.38 The invasion of Crimea in this century led to the forced migration of Crimean Tatars as part of the Russification policy.39 After the invasion of Crimea, Russia became the power controlling trade in the Black Sea Region and regarded the security of the Blac.