Problems of Turks Living in Greece

This comprehensive research study examines the situation of the Turkish minority living in Greece, one of the most critical and significant impasses in Turkish-Greek relations. Greece's negative attitude towards its Turkish minority directly affects relations between the two countries.

This work provides an in-depth analysis based on the reality that official Greek policy insists on referring to the Turkish minority solely as “Muslim” and refuses to acknowledge their Turkish cultural identity. This book examines in detail the structural problems faced by this ancient community, which is forced to be defined as Greek Muslims, including the restriction of their religious freedoms. It has become nearly impossible for Turkish Foundations, one of the most vital elements of Turkish cultural identity, to continue to exist in Greece. This research reveals how the management of the Foundations was taken away from the Turks, showing how foundation assets were disposed of through donations, sales, and expropriation, and how the remaining foundation assets were subject to heavy taxation.

This original research work is the product of academic studies conducted jointly by the Rhodes, Kos, and Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association and the Western Thrace Turks Solidarity Association. The book consists of original research review articles grouped under five main headings: Problems of the Turks of Rhodes and Kos, Problems of the Turks of Western Thrace and Turkish Culture in Greece.

Thanks to this systematic structure, the reader can gain a detailed perspective on the specific difficulties experienced by both the Turks of Rhodes, Kos, and the Dodecanese and the Turks of Western Thrace. This work not only examines historical and cultural issues but also carries great significance in demonstrating how these issues have been embraced by democratic mass organizations in our homeland, Turkey.

This in-depth analysis serves as a critical reference source demonstrating the necessity of social awareness against the “Megali Idea” approach, which periodically emerges among certain segments of the Greek population and fundamentally aims to eradicate Turkish identity. This research study should be in the library of every reader who wishes to understand the historical struggle of a minority community and learn the fundamental truths that will shape the future of Turkey and the region in the context of international rights.