Turkish Petroleum Corporation and American energy company Chevron signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to conduct exploration and production operations in oil and natural gas fields.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the memorandum of understanding was signed in Istanbul.
The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources noted that while the country continues its efforts to increase production at Mount Gabar in Şırnak province in the southeast and in the Black Sea, it is also evaluating opportunities abroad.
He added that Ankara is exploring new projects through partnerships in different geographical regions.
Joint Activities
The Minister explained that Turkish Petroleum Corporation will carry out joint exploration and production activities under the cooperation agreement with Chevron, adding, “We reached an agreement with two international companies this month and will announce it to the public,” without specifying a date.
In a social media post following the signing ceremony, the Energy Minister said that cooperation with Chevron could help Turkish Petroleum Corporation produce one million barrels of oil per day.
According to reports, the agreement is the latest example of enhanced cooperation between Turkish and American energy companies, as Turkey seeks to reduce its dependence on imported oil and natural gas.
Last month, Turkish Petroleum Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary “Esso” to conduct energy exploration operations in the Black Sea.
Turkish Petroleum Corporation
The Turkish Petroleum Corporation, known today as TPAO, was founded in 1954 as the national oil company of Turkey. Its origins trace back to the original “Turkish Petroleum Company” established in the Ottoman era in 1912, which was central to early oil exploration in the Middle East. The corporation plays a key role in Turkey’s energy security, managing domestic and international exploration and production activities.
Chevron
Chevron is a major American multinational energy corporation, originally founded in 1879 as the Pacific Coast Oil Company. It grew through mergers, most notably with Standard Oil of California, and today is one of the world’s largest integrated oil and gas companies.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles the Bosporus Strait, historically serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires under the names Constantinople and Byzantium. Its rich history is visible in iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans.
Mount Gabar
Mount Gabar is a mountain in southeastern Turkey, historically significant as the location where Noah’s Ark is said to have come to rest according to some Islamic and local traditions. This association has made it a site of religious and archaeological interest for centuries, though its identification with the biblical Mount Ararat is debated.
Şırnak
Şırnak is a province in southeastern Turkey, near the borders with Iraq and Syria, known for its rugged mountainous terrain. Historically, the area has been inhabited for millennia and is part of the broader historical region of Upper Mesopotamia, with a significant Kurdish cultural presence. In the modern era, it has been affected by regional conflicts and the Turkish government’s military operations against the PKK.
Black Sea
The Black Sea is a large inland sea situated between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, historically known for its strategic importance in trade and conflict. It was a key region for ancient Greek colonization and later the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, while its unique anoxic deep waters have preserved ancient shipwrecks.
Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, located in the central Anatolia region. It gained its modern political significance in 1923 when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose it as the capital of the newly founded Republic of Turkey, replacing Istanbul. The city’s ancient history dates back to the Hittite civilization, and it was also an important center for the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil is a multinational oil and gas corporation formed in 1999 through the merger of Exxon (formerly Standard Oil Company of New Jersey) and Mobil (formerly Standard Oil Company of New York). Its corporate lineage traces back to the Standard Oil trust founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1870, making it one of the world’s largest and most historically significant energy companies.
Esso
Esso is a global energy company with a history dating back to the late 19th century, originally formed as part of the Standard Oil trust. The name “Esso” itself, derived from the initials S.O. (Standard Oil), became a prominent brand for gasoline stations and petroleum products worldwide. While the corporate structure has evolved, the Esso brand remains a significant retail presence in many countries.
