The Population Exchange Agreement signed between the Government of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the Greek Government in 1923 foresaw the forced migration of Greek Orthodox people settled in Türkiye and Turkish Muslims settled in Greece. This agreement also covered approximately 2,000,000 people who had to leave their homeland after the Balkan Wars that began in 1912.

The refugees were not allowed to return to their homeland for many years. The first generation refugees passed away silently, longing for their homeland. However, under the leadership of the Lausanne Refugees Foundation, in recent years, an increasing number of refugees’ children and grandchildren have been visiting their homelands as if fulfilling the will of their elders. During these visits, we not only see the cities, villages, neighborhoods where our elders lived and the sacred places where they worshipped; we also meet with Greek Orthodox refugees who migrated from Anatolia.

These visits are not just a touristic event; we call them “EXCHANGE MEETINGS”.

During our visits to Greece, we are warmly welcomed by Greek Orthodox exchangees. Similarly, we host Greek Orthodox exchangees who visit Türkiye with the same hospitality. In these meetings, lasting friendships are established among the exchangees, and these friendships play an important role in breaking down prejudices and developing a culture of peace.

HISTORY OF EXCHANGE MEETINGS

Our first group visit to Greece as an exchangee was made on October 15, 2000. Since then, our visits have continued every year in the Spring and Autumn months.