It is curious why Greek and Tragedy are synonymous in our lives. Is it because, mythologically speaking, philosophers kept bickering, endlessly, about life and death in the Anatolian theaters?
History, however, tells us differently. Greek tragedy avoidable or not would be an irrelevant question, if there was no Greek aggression.
GREEK DIASPORA & TURKISH FACTS
On one thought, the second Greek tragedy in the hands of the Ottoman Turks must have been the origin of the Greek diaspora in the West.
On another thought, it looks like the third Greek tragedy, that came when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk confronted Greeks, must have significantly contributed to it.
On the other hand, the Cyprus War or the Battle of Manzikert tragedies should not compare. The former was the smallest in scale. The latter was a long time ago.
Other facts also do not help. For example, two of the tragedies took place during the Byzantine Empire. The last two took place during the Hellenic Republic.
Greeks started the two tragedies. They were the aggressors. Turks initiated the other two. In one, they were the aggressor. In the other, they were reactionary.
None of these facts, as they are listed, does not do justice. However, with additional facts and reasons, coupled with culture and/or character related problems factored in, it suddenly all becomes very clear.
Greek Tragedy Avoidable or Not
Here we go!
If Greeks were not aggressors, three of four Greek tragedies could have been avoided.
The fourth tragedy, when the Ottoman Turks were the aggressors, ironically, did not cause a Greek diaspora.
However, the second biggest Greek aggression against Turks clearly did it.
Diaspora Emanating From The Fall of Constinople
Minimal
In 1453, the population of Constantinople was around forty thousand. At its height, the population was ten times higher in the Byzantine Empire.
The conquering Ottoman Turks wished to keep all Christian citizens intact. They knew that the city would be viable but also formidable if populated.
As a result, from 1453 until 1821, Greeks lived as subjects to the Ottoman sultans. Their Vatican, “Fener Patrigi '' continued to function all the same.
In fact, it still does today in Istanbul, Turkiye in the same place. It allows the entire Othodox community worldwide to keep connection with this global city.
Diaspora Emanating From The Battle of Dumlupinar
Massive
Not the same can be said when Greeks revolted against the Ottoman Turks in 1821. Next ten years, they lived in tumult. The Kingdom of Greece did not survive long.
A century later, the Hellenic Republic that replaced the Kingdom decided to invade what is left of the Ottoman Empire in 1919. That ended with a disaster for Greeks.
The Battle of Dumlupinar in 1922 was decisive. It marked the second biggest Greek tragedy emanating from the aggression of Greeks against Turks.
It gave way to the massive migration from the region. In other words, it formed the main basis for the Greek diaspora.
Greek Tragedy Avoidable or Not
To conclude, Greek tragedy is avoidable so long as Greeks are not the aggressors.
Stay tuned for the next episode of “Greek Tragedy Avoidable Or Not (III)”. There, I will visit three examples, two in diaspora.
They are not the types that will give will a chance to another Greek tragedy. However, there are others in diaspora with an agenda too.