Greek Takeover of Crete - Does Anybody Know The Story?

[JBA]

I know that Crete was originally a Turkish island that at some point came under Greek control - I believe around the turn of the last century. I read occasional references to the forced removal of the resident Turks and some observers liken it to Cyprus in 1963 as evidence of what would have happened if the UN hadn't intervened.

But despite endless searching I can find nothing on the internet about this - mainly because all 'historical' articles seem to be Greek authored/inspired. Does anybody know the true story of this period in Crete history - or can someone please point me at useful books, websites etc.

Thank you!

[belle]

I think I am right in saying the Greeks did exactly the same as they did to the TC's in Cyprus, they pushed them off the Island, form of genocide I think, its what the Greeks and GC's do for fun.

[erol]

Brief overview here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crete#Cret ... _1898-1908

[Rambling Rose]

I didnt know the story of Crete, but it does tie in with the fact that EOKA got a lot of help and arms (some say were inspirted by) from Cretians.

Its not about Crete, but if you are interested in Greco-Turksh struggles and relationship, I recommend "Birds Without Wings" by Louis de Berniers (also the writer of Captain Coneli's Mandarin) . As well as being well written and a good read in its own right with historical interest and some fascinating characters, it throws a very thoughtful human and humane light pm the basically love-hate relationship between ordinary people of Hellenic and Turkik origin, and their sufferings as a result of events beyond their control or understanding = echos of which are still to be found in Cyprus to this day.

It is interspersed with a very interesting sort of mini biography of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

[dippersgirl]

RR, totally agree and recommend 'Birds without Wings'

Also this link explaining the exchange of people:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population ... and_Turkey

It was very bad on both sides.

Also Peter Albrecht's book, Gegner für immer?/Enemies forever?

[ESENTEPE7]

Rose,
do you mean "Captain Corelli's mandolin"? Which, I understand, was inspired by the Italian occupation of one of the Greek island but the character was purely fictional.

[Rambling Rose]

Yes Esentepe I do - apologies for the minor spelling error due to haste! Amd yes you are correct about that book - I was not suggesting it had any bearing on the subject under discussion, simply mentioned it as it is better known and might help people to identify the author of "Birds without Wings".. If you liked the mandolin book you will probably also enjoy Birds without Wings - although the latter is longer and goes into much more depth

In Birds without Wings the historical events actually happened and I think some real politicians are mentioned (notebly of course Ataturk) the characters are fictional but ring so true I suspect some may be based on real life, and certain types are very recognisable.

[MoonageDaydream]

I would recommend the book 'Twice a Stranger' by Bruce Clark. This covers the history of the forced population exchanges, you can read extracts on the Amazon Website: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Twice-Stranger- ... 1862079242
There is also a history project of the same name: http://www.twiceastranger.net/

Most of the 'Turks' of Crete spoke only Greek, and did not want to leave their homes on the island. Some even offered to convert to Orthodox Christianity, but were still not allowed to stay. The same treatment was meted out to Turkish speaking Christian 'Greeks' who had lived in central Anatolia for generations.