Generally, Greece is not considered Middle Eastern; it is predominantly classified as a Southern European country. However, there have been historical contexts where it was occasionally included within the broader "Middle Eastern" or "Near Eastern" sphere due to specific geopolitical events and questions, particularly those involving the Ottoman Empire.
Understanding Greece's Geographic and Cultural Identity
Greece occupies the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula in Europe and is a member of the European Union and NATO. Its cultural heritage is deeply rooted in ancient Greek civilization, which profoundly influenced Western culture.
Key aspects of Greece's identity include:
- Geographic Location: Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, but primarily located in Southern Europe.
- Cultural Affiliation: Strong historical and cultural ties to Western civilization.
- Political Alignment: Firmly integrated into European political and economic structures.
- Religion: Predominantly Christian Orthodox, distinct from the predominantly Islamic countries of the Middle East.
The "Eastern Question" and Greece's Occasional Inclusion
The historical inclusion of Greece within the "Middle East" (then often referred to as the "Near East") compass is tied to a significant geopolitical concept known as the Eastern Question. This complex diplomatic and political problem concerned the fate of the Ottoman Empire's territories in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
It was during this period that the modern form of the Middle Eastern question became apparent. Specifically, when the Greeks launched their rebellion in 1821 to assert independence from the Ottoman Empire, this event marked a crucial point in the broader Eastern Question. This historical context led to Greece occasionally being viewed through a "Near Eastern" lens, primarily due to its pivotal role in the decline of Ottoman power and the subsequent redrawing of regional boundaries.
Geographic and Cultural Distinctions
While historical ties exist due to Ottoman rule, contemporary understanding largely distinguishes Greece from the Middle East.
| Feature | Greece | Typical Middle Eastern Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Continent | Europe | Asia (primarily) / Africa (Egypt) |
| Primary Geo-Political Bloc | European Union, NATO | Arab League, OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) |
| Dominant Religion | Orthodox Christianity | Islam |
| Main Language Family | Indo-European (Greek) | Afro-Asiatic (Arabic), Turkic, Indo-Iranian |
| Cultural Heritage | Greco-Roman, Byzantine, Western European | Arab, Persian, Turkic, North African |
In summary, while historical events connected Greece to the discussions surrounding the Middle East, particularly during the era of the Ottoman Empire, modern geographical and cultural classifications firmly place Greece within Europe.
