Greek nationalism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Greek nationalism has its roots with the rise of nationalism in Europe in the 19th century, and was characterized by the struggle for independence against the Ottoman Empire, culminating in the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829), assisted by European Romantic Hellenophiles such as Lord Byron. The Nationalist Party of Greece was active 1865-1909. Greek irredentism, the "Megali Idea" suffered a setback in the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922), and the Pontic Greek Genocide. Since then, Greco-Turkish relations have been characterized by tension between Greek and Turkish nationalism, culminating in the Turkish invasion of Cyprus (1974).
Nationalism plays a significant roles in contemporary Greek politics, with nationalist parties including
- National Alignment (defunct)
- Hrisi Avgi
- Front Line (political party)
- Hellenic Front
- Patriotic Alliance
- Popular Orthodox Rally
Since the breakup of Yugoslavia, Greek nationalists are further pitted against Slavic nationalism (Macedonism).
There are also various fringe groups advocating forms of national mysticism, such as the "Epsilon Team.
