The Treatment of Turks under Greek Rule: Myths and Realities
Throughout history, the relationship between Greeks and Turks has been complex and often tumultuous. One recurring topic of discussion is the treatment of Turks who found themselves under Greek rule. This article aims to delve into the myths and realities surrounding this issue.
Myth Exposed: Turkish Experiences under Greek Rule
A common misconception is that Turks who came under Greek rule faced harsh treatment and discrimination. However, there is little evidence to support this claim. Historically, the Ottoman Empire, known for its diverse population, maintained a policy of legal and social equality for all its subjects, regardless of ethnicity or religion. It was only after the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Greek nationalism in the 19th and 20th centuries that the situation began to change.
The Role of Nationalism and the Greek Civil War
During the 1970s, Greece experienced a period of significant political and social upheaval. The Greek Civil War (1946-1949) saw a polarization of society, with the rise of Greek nationalism playing a central role in the conflict. This nationalist sentiment often manifested itself in the treatment of ethnic minorities, including Turks living in areas that came under Greek control.
Many Greek politicians and military leaders promoted a vision of Greece as a homogenous, ethnically Greek nation. As a result, any signs of foreign presence or identity were often met with hostility. This was particularly evident in areas such as Istanbul, where the flow of Greek and Turkish populations had been historically balanced. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, tens of thousands of Greeks from Asia Minor were forcibly repatriated to Greece, while many Turks were displaced or chose to emigrate.
Contemporary Relevance: The Treatment of Turks in Greek-Occupied Cyprus
The most significant and relevant example of the treatment of Turks under Greek rule can be found in the case of Cyprus in the 1970s. Following Greece's military intervention in the island, significant demographic changes occurred. Greek Cypriots, who had previously been a minority in the city, began to dominate political and economic life. Turkish Cypriots, on the other hand, found themselves in increasingly hostile environments. Several Turkish villages were effectively under Greek military control, and many of these villages were isolated and cut off from external communication and support.
Moreover, several Turkish Cypriots who had taken positions in the Greek Cypriot government or had ties to Turkey faced political persecution. Some were even detained and faced charges of being traitors. This further reinforced the notion of an existential threat to Greek Cypriot control over the island.
The Political Climate in Modern Greek Cities
Following the 1970s, the political climate in Greece shifted towards a more nationalistic rhetoric. As Greek cities such as Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupolis, Komotini, Xanthi, and Kavala became centers of Greek identity, the integration of ethnic minorities, particularly Turks, became more challenging. The Turkish Grand National Assembly often served as a political theater for ethnic minorities, with some Turkish deputies acting as voices for their communities, even if they were not fully representative.
Today, while there is a greater recognition of multiculturalism in Greek society, the legacy of the nationalist sentiment of the 1970s can still be felt in political discourse and social relationships. Tensions between Greek and Turkish communities persist, albeit in a diminished form compared to the past.
Conclusion
While the treatment of Turks under Greek rule has been a contentious issue, it is essential to examine it in the broader context of historical and political developments. The Ottoman Empire's policy of placating its diverse subjects provided a more equitable environment than the subsequent periods of Greek nationalism. The experiences of Turkish Cypriots in the 1970s, however, illustrate the harsh realities that can arise when nationalism and ethnic pride clash with the sovereignty of minorities.