Most Greeks are familiar with the Dodecanese, a cluster of beautiful islands which include Rhodes. However, many may not be aware that this region did not become part of Greece until 1947. In 1947 after centuries of occupation by different powers and many attempts to erase the inhabitant’s Greek identity, the Dodecanese region finally joined Greece. Ensomatosi, is a celebration of this significant event in 1947.
In 1923 Italy annexed the Dodecanese under the Treaty of Lausanne from the Ottomans and began a period of Italianization, which tried to remove the influence of Greek culture. The occupiers banned the teaching of the Greek language from schools and restricted residents from speaking Greek, whilst implementing an Italian re-settlement policy which resulted in over 16,000 Italians residing in the region (mainly in Rhodes) between 1923 till 1936.
During the second world war, Mussolini accelerated the Italianization by using forced Greek labour and in 1945 after the second world war, the Dodecanese was surrendered to British forces as part of a treaty of peace between Italy and the victorious powers who then transferred them to Greece.
Whilst Ensomatosi is the latest addition to our rich Greek history, this event has relevance in current times. Ongoing maritime disputes continue with neighbouring Turkey, largely over Turkey’s interpretation of internationally recognised treaties. What has always been beyond doubt, is the majority presence of Greek people and culture on and around the Dodecanese for thousands of years, remaining largely unchanged till the current time, centuries before Turkey became a nation state. Seas surrounding the Dodecanese region, (as per the 1981 UN Convention for maritime boarders), form part of the Greek state and are recognised by all nations except for Turkey. The recently discovered oil & gas in the south eastern Mediterranean Sea, bordering the Dodecanese has created a tense atmosphere in the region. Therefore, knowledge of well documented historical events, such as Ensomatosi, ensures Greece’s entitlements continue to be recognised by the UN into the future.
Greece’s boarders are marked in our forefathers’ blood, understanding our past will strengthen our future. Please watch the video below to get a better understanding of this significant time in our history.
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