Turkey’s ambition to conquer Greece through military means or demographic shift and occupy the Greek Aegean islands remains a concerning issue. The Turkish media persistently asserts that “152 Greek islands and islets in the Aegean belong to Turkey.”
A claim, debunked by historical and legal evidence that establishes Greece’s ownership, particularly through treaties such as the 1924 Treaty of Lausanne, the 1932 Turkish-Italian Agreements, and the 1947 Paris Treaty.
This conquest mentality is rooted in the Islamic concept of jihad, seen as a communal obligation in the service of Islam. Ottoman Turks historically used this ideology to expand their empire across Asia, Europe, and Africa for over six centuries. According to this ideology, Muslim military expansion is perceived as an act of Allah’s favor, granting conquered lands to Muslim conquerors.
The Turkish government’s stance on the genocide is marked by denial and conceit. Initially denying their ancestors’ role in genocidal acts, they later justify them as self-defense, even going so far as to state “they [Christians] deserved it” and suggesting a readiness to repeat such atrocities if deemed necessary.
The US government’s approval of a $23 billion sale of 40 new F-16 fighter jets to Turkey despite its threatening stance towards Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia is concerning. Turkey’s aggressive policies are evident in its support for Azerbaijan’s territorial claims against Armenia and its continued occupation of 36% of the Republic of Cyprus since 1974. Erdogan’s rhetoric about Jerusalem as a “Turkish city” and firm support for Hamas, a terrorist group targeting Israel, further complicates its foreign relations.
On February 28, analysts on Turkey’s pro-government TV channel AHaber discussed how the Turkish Air Force could strike Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Mesut Hakkı Caşın, an advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, spoke about the capabilities of the Turkish Kaan fighter jet and the UAV Bayraktar Akıncı, suggesting a swift takeover of Greek islands if war erupted.
https://youtu.be/Ic6PMB3foUA?si=oAd_u5t7yUGGLGgQ
Another analyst hinted at Turkey’s strategic goal of demographic change on the islands, envisioning a future where they would become majority Turkish without overt military action. However, another analyst disagreed, citing historical resistance to such Turkification efforts even during Ottoman rule.
Threats of military action against Greece are not new, as Turkey has repeatedly signaled its intent to invade and annex the Greek islands in the Aegean. The ruling AKP party’s official Twitter account even posted a video claiming Greek islands and the Western Thrace region of Greece as Turkish territory.
Turkey’s ambition to conquer Greece through military means or demographic shift, annexing Greek territory is multifaceted. Firstly, it aligns with the ideology of neo-Ottomanism, seeking to restore the empire’s former glory. Secondly, the denial of past genocidal acts against Christians fosters a culture of impunity, enabling similar actions in the present.
The conquest mentality, deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, was evident in the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Islamists justified the conquest with prophetic hadiths, claiming divine approval for capturing the city. The aftermath saw widespread atrocities against Christians, including rape and pillaging.
The transformation of Hagia Sophia Cathedral into a mosque, then a museum, and back to a mosque in 2020 reflects the Turkish government’s disrespect for religious diversity, particularly Christianity. The denial of the 1913-23 Christian genocide in Ottoman Turkey further fuels Turkey’s aggressive policies.
Erdogan’s inflammatory remarks about expelling “enemies” from Turkish lands, referencing the 1922 massacre in Smyrna, highlight the government’s glorification of past atrocities. The city’s once-thriving Greek population was decimated, with survivors fleeing to neighboring Greece.
Turkey’s genocide denial is deeply ingrained in its societal fabric, permeating schools, media, academia, and politics. Public acknowledgment of the genocide can lead to legal repercussions, showcasing the government’s refusal to confront its dark history.
The foreign policy of the Islamist government of Turkey is shaped by its genocide denial and ideology of violent conquest, leading to instability in the region. Despite this, the US government approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, turning a blind eye to its aggressive behavior towards neighboring countries.
Azerbaijan, with Turkey’s support, continues to make territorial claims against Armenia, falsely labeling the entire country as “Western Azerbaijan.” Turkey also denies the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, occupying a significant portion since 1974. Erdogan’s claims about Jerusalem and support for Hamas further complicate Turkey’s foreign relations.
In conclusion, Turkey’s aggressive policies, rooted in a conquest ideology and denial of past atrocities, pose a threat to regional stability. The US government’s decision to supply military equipment to Turkey despite these concerns raises questions about its commitment to upholding international norms. As Turkey continues to threaten its neighbors and deny historical truths, the need for international scrutiny and accountability becomes ever more apparent.
