Overview: Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin rule two influential states bordering the Black Sea and regularly dominate the headlines. Since the annexation of the Crimea and the construction of the "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline, they have been in the limelight more than ever. Despite the currently tense relations between their countries, both statesmen are pursuing a common goal: to keep the Western powers away from the Black Sea region. Why is this region strategically so important? [arte]