One Hundred Years of Greek-Turkish Relations, by Samim Akgönül, published July 2024

The new book by Samim Akgönül, titled « One Hundred Years of Greek-Turkish Relations – The Human Dimension of an Ongoing Conflict, » has been published by Edinburgh University Press.

For details via the link

Explores the multifaceted relationship between Greeks and Turks

• Closely examines the consequences of the compulsory exchange of populations in 1923 between Greece and Turkey
• Highlights the moments of coexistence and mutual admiration between the two nations, despite periods of conflict
• Explores the profound impact of historical and ongoing conflicts on individuals and communities, including physical harm, emotional trauma, displacement, and loss of livelihoods
• Delves into the experiences of minority communities, specifically the Greek minority in Turkey and the Muslim-Turkish minority in Western Thrace, Greece
• Investigates the cultural interaction between Greeks and Turks throughout history, encompassing elements such as cuisine, music, literature, and art

The relationship between Greece and Turkey has been fraught with tension for a century, with a range of issues including territorial disputes, 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.

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.