Book "The Greeks of Imbros, on Gökçeada" Launched

The launch of the book "The Greeks of Imbros, on Gökçeada" , consisting of an introductory essay summarizing the history of the island of Imbros along with a compilation of Turkish translations of English and Greek academic articles written about the island, was held at Bahçeşehir University (BAU). Moderated by Bahçeşehir University faculty member Assist. Prof. Dr. Feryal Tansuğ , who prepared the book for publication, Prof. Dr. Murat Belge and Konstantinos Hristoforidis, President of the Association of Imbrians in Athens, shared what is known about the island of Imbros, summarized what has happened on the island and gave messages of peace for the future.

 

Attending the launch, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I stated that the island of Imbros is a very special part of Türkiye and said: "I thank Feryal Tansuğ, who prepared this special book, and Bahçeşehir University, which made it possible for us to gather here."
 

Giving the final speech of the launch, Bahçeşehir University Chair of the Board of Trustees Enver Yücel made a call for peace, saying: "I am honored that a 15-year-old university is hosting such a sensitive subject today."

 

The book, which includes outstanding articles from different disciplines such as archaeology, history, sociology and political science, features articles by Suna Çağaptay, Meliton Karas, Feryal Tansuğ, Makis Boutaras, Alexis Alexandris, Giorgos Tsimouris and Elif Babül.
 

"The Greeks of Imbros, on Gökçeada" draws attention to the forgotten (or deliberately forgotten) existence of Imbros in Turkish public opinion and to the socio-cultural transformation the island has undergone. This first compilation published on the island shows what the hitherto neglected Greeks of Imbros experienced during and after Türkiye's nation-state building process, their relations with the Turkish state and how they became a bargaining chip between Greece and Türkiye. By drawing attention to the fact that the Greeks of Imbros are native people of Anatolia and of this country, the book hopes to contribute to cultural peace.