Greek-Turkish Rapprochement under the Leadership of Venizelos and Ataturk and the effects on Balkan Geopolitics

Abstract

This study examines the rapprochement of Venizelos and Ataturk, in which one of the rare periods of peace was created in the history of Greek-Turkish relations which was often full of struggles of superiority over each other. Also, the reflection of this rapprochement process on the Balkans is studied. The aim of the work is to reveal the process of rapprochement, which was realized by Venizelos and Ataturk with the effort of setting an example to the world, in order to establish real peace between the two countries which had recently fought with each other. In addition to this, it is aimed to show the reflection of this pragmatist and constructive policies on the Greek-Turkish relations and Balkan geopolitics. In this context, the basic research question of the study is to analyze how the leadership nature of Venizelos and Ataturk influenced Greek-Turkish rapprochement. This work claims as a basic argument that the peace-based period which Venizelos and Ataturk established was the most important period of Greek-Turkish rapprochement. In conclusion, this study forecasts that it is possible that this sincere reconciliation formed under the leadership of the two leaders could be achieved in the future.