“Greek- Armenian Cooperation” In The Turkish Independence War Period

Abstract

The Greeks and Armenians inhabited in Ottoman Empire as a part of Ottoman community. These elements keep their cultural and religious characteristics thanks to Turkish people's tolerance. Ottoman Empire could not adapt to the developments in the world in the XVIIIth century and afterwards evenly. Accordingly, the pressure of European countries on the Ottoman Empire increased. The Greeks and Armenians benefiting from this gained a more privileged status than Turks. While this circumstance revived Turkish nationalism, the relations between Greeks and Armenians became very strong. The countries such as Russia, England, France and the USA that would like to divide the Ottoman Empire supported / upheld this cooperation. The Greek- Armenian cooperation which had already been available and had concretely been realized through the First World War was evidently converted into "Greek- Armenian Collaboration" together with the Turkish War of Independence. However, Turkish nation prevented this collaboration from being put into practice by breaking this up via the success obtained in the biggest anti-imperialist war under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. History is absolutely very important to grasp the value of peace and should be interpreted in this sense. The people in this land should get rid of "Sevres Syndrome" certainly. Nevertheless, they also should not forget "The Treaty Terms of Sevres".