One Hundred Years of Greek-Turkish Relations: The Human Dimension of an Ongoing Conflict

by Samim Akgönül, Tiphaine Delenda (Contribution by)

Overview

The relationship between Greece and Turkey has been fraught with tension for a century, with a range of issues including territorial disputes, and cultural and political differences. Despite being NATO allies and neighbours, the two nations have a long history of conflict and mistrust, but also a sense of similarity and mutual admiration. In the 21st century, the situation has become increasingly complex, as we have seen a resurgence of nationalist sentiment on both sides, as well as an active engagement between the two nations through common initiatives, tourism, media and social sciences. This book analyses the human dimension of Greek-Turkish relations, using extensive primary data collected from interviews and archival research conducted over 30 years. It focuses on the topic of the compulsory exchange and its consequences, as well as the Greek minority in Turkey, the Turkish minority in Greece, and contemporary developments in the mutual, yet paradoxical, relationships between the two nations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399533850
Publisher:	Edinburgh University Press
Publication date:	01/31/2026
Series:	Edinburgh Studies on Modern Turkey
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Samim Akgönül is Historian and Political scientist, Professor of Turkish studies and Director of the Department of Turkish Studies of the University of Strasbourg. He is also coordinator of the “Religions and Pluralism” research team at the French National Center for Scientific Research (DRES). He is the author of The Minority Concept in the Turkish Context (2013, Brill) and co-editor of Yearbook of Muslims in Europe (2022, Brill). Samim has published articles in many journals, including European journal of Turkish studies, Critical Studies on Terrorism, European Review, and Revue du droit des religions.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Turks and Greeks: of partition and separation
2. Greek-Turkish war in Correspondance d'Orient an "Oriental" Journal published in Paris 1919-1922
3. ‘New Turks’: Turkey’s 1923 muhacirs
4. A peculiar group: Polites
5. A specific branch of Turkish diaspora and transnationality: Greece’s Muslims
6. 100 years of Greek-Turkish relations: breaking points, evolutions and continuity

Conclusion: Turkey, Greece and Complex Interdependence
Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

This overview of the human dimension of the Greek-Turkish relations focused on the reciprocal minorities is a major contribution to overcoming dominant stereotypes about two countries perceived as inherently antagonistic. Essential reading that goes beyond the nation-centric narratives on minorities and the trauma of the population exchange.

Konstantinos Tsitselikis

Professor Samim Akgönül has long been one of the most important observers of Greek-Turkish relations. Exploring the intricate tapestry of relations between Greeks and Turks, this book is a remarkable journey through history, conflict and cultural coexistence. Akgönül's extensive research and personal narratives decipher the complexities of this enduring relationship, highlighting moments of unity amidst turmoil. A must-read for those seeking insight into this enigmatic yet natural bond.

Baskın Oran