Why Turkey Did Not Congratulate Greece on Its 200th Anniversary of Independence
Turkey, like many other nations, celebrated the 200th anniversary of Greece's independence in 2021. However, the absence of official congratulations from Turkey sparks curiosity and prompts deeper analysis of the historical context and current political dynamics.
Historical Context: The Greek War of Independence and the Ottoman Empire
The Greek War of Independence (1821-1832) marked a pivotal moment not just for Greece but for the entire Ottoman Empire. The rebellion of the Greeks, who sought independence, triggered a series of events that ultimately dismantled the once vast and powerful Ottoman dominion.
At the time, many in the Ottoman Empire were content with the status quo, believing that the empire was strong enough to withstand internal revolts. They might have preferred the establishment of a republic or a democratic system under the Ottoman dynasty rather than the division into smaller states. The Balkans, encompassing the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and parts of the Middle East and North Africa, were perceived as a vast, secure space rather than a fragmented region beset by border disputes.
The Aftermath: Divided Empires and New Borders
Today, the Ottoman Empire is largely a historical memory, fragmented into several nations. The dissolution of the empire led to numerous independent states, each with its own unique challenges and political dynamics. The Balkan states, including Greece, Serbia, and Cyprus, are often seen as fractured remnants of a once-unified empire, struggling with border disputes and historical grievances.
With the central power of the Ottoman Empire removed, these smaller states sought to assert their independence and sovereignty. However, the loss of a unifying empire has also led to a fragmented region with ongoing tensions and border conflicts. The creation of new borders has led to a lack of unity and a sense of loss for those who once belonged to a larger, more diverse empire.
Current Political Dynamics: Erdogan and the Turkish Perspective
The absence of official congratulations from Turkey on Greece's 200th anniversary can be attributed to the political and nationalistic stance of President Erdogan. In Erdogan's vision, the fall of the Ottoman Empire and Greece's subsequent independence were not merely historical events but indicators of a broader geopolitical shift that is detrimental to Turkish interests.
From Turkey's perspective, the division of the empire into smaller states was a loss of power and territory. The current political climate is marked by a desire to assert a more assertive role in the region. Erdogan sees the celebration of Greece's independence as acknowledging a loss that, in his view, should not have occurred. This perspective is rooted in the historical narrative that emphasizes the strength and resilience of the Ottoman Empire, and the negative impact of its dissolution.
Humorous Analogy: Congratulating a Rebel
A humorous analogy often used to express the complexity of this situation is the idea of Darth Vader sending a congratulatory message to the rebels. This fictional scenario encapsulates the tension between two former allies or rival powers. Just as it would be ironic for Darth Vader to congratulate the Rebel Alliance after their victory, it would be equally ironic for Turkey to congratulate Greece on its independence, given their historical relationship.
Similar to the Rebel HQ scenario, the congratulatory message would highlight the ironic and perhaps complex dynamics between the two entities. The message would underscore the historical and political changes that have transformed Turkey and Greece from a united empire to two separate nations with differing perspectives on their shared history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the absence of official congratulations from Turkey on Greece's 200th anniversary of independence reflects the complex and often contentious relationship between these two nations. Historical context, political interests, and nationalistic narratives all play a role in shaping the current dynamic. As we reflect on this historical milestone, we are reminded of the significance of the Greek War of Independence in reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Balkans and beyond.