The 1923 Greco-Turkish Population Exchange: Successful Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities

This thesis is a case study of the 1923 Greco-Turkish population exchange. The thesis asserts that this compulsory expulsion effectively prevented the genocide of Greek Orthodox Christians living in Asia Minor. To support this argument, historical evidence leading up to the exchange is presented and examined for specific genocide indicators. Contemporary terms and viewpoints of genocide and mass atrocities are used to assess the historical facts and support the hypothesis. The study also addresses the long-term results of the exchange. The study is focused only on the events that support the thesis and does not examine wider sociological and historical phenomena. It is by no means a comprehensive history of Greece and Turkey following World War I. Furthermore, it does not attempt to examine the logistics of the exchange, but instead provides a broad understanding of the process. The population exchange and associated treaty ended the Greco-Turkish conflict and ensured a lasting peace in a relatively volatile region. Although it violated individual rights and had deleterious effects on Greeces economy, it was necessary to prevent future mass atrocities and potential genocide.