The Causes of Tension Between Greece and Turkey After World War I

During the period following World War I, the Greek-Turkish relationship was fraught with tension and animosity. This article aims to explore the roots of this conflict, focusing on the impact of the invasion of Asia Minor by Greece in 1919 and the ill-fated Megali Idea. Understanding the historical context of this tension is crucial for comprehending the geopolitical landscape of the time.

Background: The Complexities of Post-WWI Europe

After World War I, Europe was in the process of redefining its borders and reestablishing political sovereignty. The defeat of the Ottoman Empire and the resulting Treaty of Sèvres in 1920 provided an opportunity for the repartitioning of its territories, including Asia Minor, which was once the heartland of the Ottoman Empire.

The Rise of the Megali Idea

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the Greek government harbored a grandiose vision known as the Megali Idea, or the "Great Idea." This ideology sought to restore Greece to its former glory, with the reclaiming of much of the former Byzantine Empire, including the capture of Constantinople. The concept of Megali Idea was inherently ambitious and fueled by a desire to reassert Greek cultural and political dominance in the region.

The Greek Invasion of Asia Minor in 1919

In 1919, the Greek forces initiated an invasion of Asia Minor, specifically targeting the region of Smyrna (now known as ?zmir). This invasion was motivated by a combination of political, military, and ideological factors. Greece aimed to expand its territories and secure a strategic foothold in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Greek intervention was a naked attempt to realize the Megali Idea and consolidate Greek control over the Anatolian region. However, the operation was met with fierce resistance from Turkish forces and the widespread condemnation of the international community. The ensuing war of attrition and the subsequent forced displacement of thousands of people deepened the hostilities between the two nations.

Immediate Consequences and Long-Term Tensions

The Greek invasion of Asia Minor had immediate and profound consequences. The Greek presence in the region led to a series of atrocities, including the slaughter of the population and the destruction of the cities and infrastructure. The Turkish forces, under the command of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, launched a counteroffensive that forced the Greek forces to retreat.

The defeat of the Greeks and the subsequent Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 resulted in the exchange of populations between the two countries, with the expulsion of Greeks from Asia Minor and the relocation of Turks from the Greek territories. This event, known as the population exchange, further entrenched the hostility between Greece and Turkey, setting the stage for decades of tension and conflict.

The aftermath of the war included placing blame and attempting to attribute it to various factors. Some argued that the tension was largely due to the actions of the Greek allied forces, which were seen as invaders. Others maintained that it was the Turkish forces that managed to expel the Greeks from the region. However, the historical evidence suggests that the Greek invasion and the associated atrocities were the primary causes of the tension.

Conclusion

The Greek invasion of Asia Minor and the pursuit of the Megali Idea were pivotal factors in the development of the tensions between Greece and Turkey. The atrocities and the subsequent population exchange had lasting impacts on both countries, shaping their relationship and geopolitical dynamics for years to come. Understanding the historical context and the underlying ideologies that drove these actions is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the conflicts in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Keywords: Greek-Turkish tension, WWI, Megali Idea, Asia Minor invasion