Navigating the Path to Preservation
Turkey’s Greek minority has a rich history, deeply intertwined with the nation’s past and culture. This community, which has faced numerous challenges and adversities over the years, is at a critical juncture. Considering the intricate history, are Turkey’s Greeks on the verge of distinction or does hope exist for their preservation?
Imbros: A Tale of Resilience
The island of Imbros (Imvros/ Gökçeada), nestled in the Aegean Sea, is a microcosm of the broader Greek experience in Turkey. For decades, Imbros bore witness to a dwindling Greek population, marked by forced departures and discrimination. The 1960s saw a mass exodus, with the majority of the island’s 6,000 Greeks departing amid unsettling changes, including the arrival of settlers and convicted prisoners from the mainland.
However, in recent years, Imbros has witnessed a revival of its Greek culture. Tourism has flourished, and Greek restaurants in places like Zeytinlikoy have become bustling hubs filled with both locals and tourists. The Turkish government’s decision to permit the opening of three Greek schools a decade ago spurred the return of descendants of the displaced Greeks. The island’s Greek population, which had dwindled to under 200, has tripled, with new arrivals establishing businesses and revitalising the local culture.
Imbros showcases a beacon of hope for the preservation of Greek heritage within Turkey. Greek language and education have experienced a renaissance, offering a glimmer of optimism for the island’s future.
Turkey’s Greek Minority: A Bleak Picture Elsewhere
While Imbros provides a heartening example, the broader landscape for Turkey’s Greek minority is far from reassuring. The history of Turkey’s Greeks is riddled with challenges, stemming from the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 to the brutal population exchange between Turkey and Greece in the 1920s.
The 1990s brought some improvements as Turkey moved away from decades of military rule. Nevertheless, the exodus has continued, and out of a population of approximately 200,000 Greeks at the dawn of the Turkish Republic, only about 2,000 remain today, primarily in Istanbul. Laki Vingas, a prominent community member, warns that there comes a point where population decline becomes irreversible, and Turkey’s Greeks may be at that precipice.
Efforts to stem this decline, such as offering Turkish citizenship to descendants of Greeks forced into exile, have not materialised. Even on Imbros, the future remains uncertain as most graduates from local Greek schools have left for universities abroad, with no guarantee of their return.
Challenges Amidst Glimmers of Hope
Turkey’s Greeks continue to face prejudice. Last a group of nationalists, comprising both government and opposition sympathisers, attempted to obstruct the spiritual leader of the global Orthodox Christian community, Archbishop Bartholomew I of Constantinople, from conducting a religious service at an age-old Greek monastery located in northern Turkey. Just days earlier, Turkish journalist Melike Capan decided to cancel an exhibition shedding light on the history of Imbros’ exiles after facing allegations from a local official who accused her of “disrespecting the Turkish nation.”
Yet, there is a glimmer of hope. Many Turks have embraced their Greek neighbours, recognising the importance of preserving the country’s Greek heritage.
The future of Turkey’s Greeks remains uncertain, but they no longer feel as forsaken as they did during previous periods of nationalist sentiment. Solidarity from both Greeks and Turks is emerging as a driving force in preserving the Greek culture and heritage that is an integral part of Turkey’s diverse tapestry.
The fate of Turkey’s Greek minority is a complex interplay of history, migration, and contemporary challenges. While Imbros stands as an encouraging example of revival, the broader situation remains precarious. Turkey’s Greeks are at a crossroads, and the outcome will depend on various factors, including government policies, societal attitudes, and the determination of the Greek community to ensure their heritage endures.
https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/09/08/verge-of-extinction-turkeys-greeks-face-an-uncertain-tomorrow/