Treaty of Lausanne: What Happened
On 24 July 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne was signed in Switzerland between Turkey and the Allied powers, including Greece, replacing the failed Treaty of Sèvres and formally ending the conflict that followed World War I in the region. Greece was represented by Eleftherios Venizelos, who returned to diplomacy after the Asia Minor Catastrophe, and Turkey by İsmet İnönü. The treaty recognized the new Republic of Turkey and set its modern borders. Greece gave up all claims to Asia Minor and Eastern Thrace, and the border in Thrace was fixed along the Evros River, where it remains today. Greece kept most of the Aegean islands, but Imbros and Tenedos went to Turkey, while Italy kept the Dodecanese. The treaty also contained protections for minorities, allowing the Greek Orthodox population of Constantinople and the Muslim population of Western Thrace to remain in their homes. It confirmed the compulsory population exchange agreed earlier that year. The treaty ended the Megali Idea, and it remains the foundation of relations between the two countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Treaty of Lausanne?
The Treaty of Lausanne, signed on 24 July 1923 in Switzerland, recognized the Republic of Turkey and set the modern borders between Greece and Turkey.
Who signed the Treaty of Lausanne?
Greece was represented by Eleftherios Venizelos, and Turkey by İsmet İnönü, along with the Allied powers.
What did Greece lose under the Treaty of Lausanne?
Greece gave up all claims to Asia Minor and Eastern Thrace. The border in Thrace was fixed at the Evros River, where it remains today.
What did the treaty say about minorities?
It allowed the Greek Orthodox population of Constantinople and the Muslim population of Western Thrace to remain in their homes, with protections.
Is the Treaty of Lausanne still important?
Yes. It remains the foundation of relations between Greece and Turkey and is often cited in disputes between them.
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