Greece and Turkey clash over historical narratives of 1821

Diplomatic tensions have surfaced following social media posts from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the fall of Tripolitsa in September 1821. This historical commentary has prompted a response from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Political scientist Konstantinos Holevas argues that these actions reflect the ideology of neo-Ottomanism and seeks to challenge what he describes as Turkish historical distortions. He advocates for the continued use of the term ‘Turkocracy’ to describe the period of Ottoman rule, characterizing it as an era of severe oppression and violence against Christians rather than a peaceful coexistence of religious communities.

Holevas suggests that Greece should more actively promote historical records, such as the paintings of Eugène Delacroix and the writings of Victor Hugo, to international audiences to highlight the impact of the Greek Revolution. He also emphasizes the historical importance of Ioannis Kapodistrias’s correspondence regarding the proposed borders of the new Greek state.