Internationalisation of the Muslim Minority Issue
Internationalisation of the Muslim Minority Issue

Summary/Abstract: Following the deterioration of Greek-Turkish relations in 1974, the Muslim minority in Greek Thrace was subjected to systematic discrimination by state institutions. In the prevailing political climate, traditional appeals to Turkish patronage provided only limited relief prompting a turn toward the international theatre within a human right framework. This article explores how different factions of Thrace’s Muslim minority tried to manoeuvre within this new and untried territory. The author follows these factions’ progress from their first, uncertain steps until their cause drew international attention. Approaching the issue from the point of view of the minority allows the author to explore previously under-examined aspects of minority politics. It further provides unique insight into the dilemmas and opportunities the Muslim minority faced as well as an understanding of how the diverse factions within the group tried to deal with their circumstances.

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