Istanbul 1914-1922

The Greeks of the City among Shortage, Hope and Collapse

by Meropi Anastassiadou

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Extent: 101 pages

Publisher: V&R unipress

Subjects: Twentieth- & Twenty-First- Century History

Series: Gunnar Hering Lectures

Series volume number: 4

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(February 2026)

ISBN: 9783847119395

4.84 x 8.27 inches

Price: $25.00

In stock

By focusing on daily lives of Istanbul Greeks from 1914 to September 1922, this study seeks to assess their loyalty to the Ottoman Empire, as well as their stance on Hellenic irredentism.


Istanbul’s population greatly suffered during WWI. Sanitary problems, pauperization, mortality rise deteriorated everyday life. The flows of refugees and military mobilization were major issues. Paradoxically, its Greek orthodox community increased in 1914-1918. After the Mudros Armistice (October 1918), it could hope the Ottoman Empire’s dismemberment and the return of Constantinople to the Greek fold. The events that followed up and led to the birth of new Turkey would put an end to their expectations. The deterioration of everyday material life, the loyalty of Istanbul Greeks to the Ottoman State in wartime, ordinary people’s position towards Hellenic irredentism are the main themes explored through the archives of Greek orthodox parishes of the city and those of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

  • By (author) Meropi Anastassiadou