October 1996

by Persa Zeri (with contribution by Maria Fola).

The present research involves the analysis and reconstruction of the images formed by eight Greek newspapers of all political tendencies on Balkan neighbors and on religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities in Greece. In recent years, with the end of the cold war era and the collapse of the duo - polic system, various ideological nationalistic tendencies have aroused, supported by the church, the educational institutions and the mass media. Through public sphere (congresses, seminars etc.) images are formed and presented, regarding ourselves, the Balkan people, the Others, based on imaginary representations of a heavy historical background, a background of violence, wars, violent immigrations of populations, frontier changes and prospects, occupation and eternal animosity. In the stories formed by the media on the historical past and present, on Alexander the Great, the pashas, King Pyrros, Macedonia, Turkey, Albania, the representations formed by the media themselves on the present and the past are introduced. These representations are created by a problematic imaginary, which helps form in human conscience feelings of Greek superiority, of national offense and feelings of threat from foreigners, minorities of all kinds, immigrants, illegal immigrants and refugees coming to Greece in recent years.

The lack of a scientific tradition in treating the complicated historical, economical, political and social issues is obvious in the lack of knowledge which characterize the journalistic world. What is amazing is the existence of a common ideological line which penetrates all newspapers, when it comes to facing the most important national issues. There are only different shades of this common guideline, more primitive in the rightwing press, more subtle in the center - left press.

Turkey and the Turks

Turkey is this neighboring country which is daily and widely mentioned in the Greek press. The image on the Turks through the whole public sphere is the one of the “principal” and “eternal enemy”. The historical background (the Ottoman Empire, the War of Liberation, the Asia Minor disaster, the tragedy of Cyprus) and the present tensions (persecution of the Greek minority in Turkey, claims on Greek islands like Imia, murders of Greek-Cypriots etc.) consist the basis for attributing imaginary and non-imaginary senses in any fact regarding Turkey and the Turks. The imaginary representations of the Turks are almost always interior and there is no distinction between political powerholdesr (eg Ms. Ciller) and the Turkish people.

The newspapers of the right reproduce on every occasion the well-known stereotypes about barbarian Turks, uncivilized sly Turks etc. On the occasion of the publications of the annual report of the International Amnesty, where Turkey is accused of mass violations of human rights, “Apogevmatini” (6/10) reports: “Turkey is a huge hell, its system is an uncontrolled monster”, the Turkish state “a substitute of darkness and death”. “Ankara ... is built on a hill in the depths of East, controlled by masses of soldiers and Islamists ...”. The Bishop of Zakynthos Chrysostomos, who, like many other Orthodox clergymen, is anti-Western, writes in “Eleftherotypia” (2/10): “The Turks have nothing to do with Europe, they are not Europeans”. There is also a typical viewpoint of a reader’s letter in “Eleftherotypia” (2/10): “The Turks even today behave according to primitive instincts, like a few centuries ago ... when masses of their blood-lust conquerors knocked on the gates of Europe ... And how does the civilized West react to the disobedient towards the international laws and agreements barbarian Asiatics?”

The suspicion, the hysteria and the delirium resulting from reaction to every move of Turkish diplomats or politicians in Greece and from every manifestation of political behavior of the Turkish minority in Thrace are clearly expressed in the coverage of the visit of the Turkish ambassador in Thrace and the preceding visit of the British embassy’charge. The use of the word “Turkish” instead of “Muslim” minority is for the Greek press equal to a treason, “What are they up to in Thrace?” Adesmeftos Typos asks (14/10) in its title. And, to make it specific: “Turkish and western allies are up to something in Thrace, but at the moment it may not be quite clear if and how intensively they will move against Greece ... The representatives of the slaughtered in Constantinople, Pontos and Minor Asia (meaning the Turkish in Thrace) have spoken of violation of human rights in Greece, where not even murderers are punished ... Turkish “officials” of the minority who have presented themselves to the British diplomat are obviously of the same quality as those who executed in cold blood Solomos and Isaak in Cyprus and were so-called ministers”. The visit of the Turkish ambassador in Thrace is called “Invasion in Thrace” be Eleftheros Typos (12/10), while it is considered as an “explosive tour” by “Adesmeftos Typos” (15/10). Ethnos writes (15/10): “The ambassador of Ankara has spoken about the ‘Turks’ in Thrace” and all the other newspapers follow more or less the same attitude. Ta Nea (22/10/96) refer to the warlike policy of Ankara and the potential consequence on a “warm incident” in the Aegean with the title: “What you get is what you give”.

The continuing drama of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus, the murder in cold blood of the unarmed Greek-Cypriot retired fireman P. Kakoulis while he was collecting snails near the “green zone” and the previous criminal acts against the Greek-Cypriots based on decisions of the Turkish political leadership reinforce the negative ideas, convictions and prejudices on the Turks, which nourish the nationalistic multi-page constructions of all the press. “Ankara rewards Solomo’s murderer” (Eleftheros Typos, 18/10) “Ankara’s order to murder” (To Vima, 20/10), “Cleridis’s accusations for the murders” (Eleftherotypia, 26/10), “Cleridis: Denktash is responsible” (26/10) are the relevant titles of the newspapers. Sometimes, a detailed analysis on the current situation of the Turkish society and the Turkish political system might appear, as it is the case with A. Abatzis’s article in Eleftherotypia (24/10) entitled “the circle of violence embraces Turkey” (Structure of the big cities, Syndrome of Vietnam, aim: the different) and K. I. Iordanidis’s article in Kathimerini (27/10) entitled: “N. Erbakan as a regulating factor”. Finally, the nationalistic exaltation in Turkey with the law voted for the obligatory flag decoration of public buildings, which is a permanent reality in Greece, is treated ironically by the whole Greek press. In Greece, on the other hand, a subject of the whole press has been the “sacred” national symbol of the flag (raising the flag on Imia, burning the flag in Polytechnic). However, there is no tolerance towards the Turks. “Flag-mania in Turkey” is the title of Ta Nea (26/10). “Exaltation with the half moon” is the title of Eleftheros Typos (26/10).

Albania and the Albanians

On the occasion of the murder of a 13-year-old Albanian by a Greek farmer in the end of September 1996, the Greek press approaches the issue of illegal immigrants in Greece and the problem of xenophobia developed in Greek society in recent years. “What is the cause of Albanophobia?” is the title of a two-page analysis of Eleftherotypia (4/10). It is said: “The rise of criminality is attributed to illegal immigrants. So, we have passed from sympathy to attacks against economic refugees by men wearing stockings on their heads. “According to a survey, 43% of Greeks say no to recognizing equal rights to immigrants, while in the aversion scale the Turks are the first, followed by the Albanians, the Muslims of Thrace and the Jewish”. In Sunday Kathimerini (6/10) there is an analysis entitled “racism hits our civilization”. “Organized groups attack illegal immigrants’ houses located in an Athens ‘ghetto’“ Forty one incidents near the frontier with victims of Albanian immigrants are mentioned. Ethnos (1/10) publishes an article entitled “Fears against immigrants are unwarranted”, where the unfounded xenophobia is analyzed and the results of related surveys are reported. In a survey published by Ta Nea (17/10), under the title of “Foreigners are the Albanians and the Russian-Pontians” young people between 15-29 years of age are questioned and 75% of them consider as foreigners in Greece the Albanians, while 35% of them consider the Russian-Pontians as foreigners.

On the other hand, there are the titles of Apogevmatini (5/10) “the Albanians, scourge in the whole Western Macedonia and Epirus” Eleftheros Typos (6/10) “Illegal immigrants, the bleeding wound” Adesmeftos Typos (13/10) “Minor (Albanians) criminals”, “murderers, thieves, rapers, kidnappers, burglars” (comment from N. Angelis in Eleftheros Typos 13/10). “Illegal immigrants a bleeding wound”, Ta Nea (3/10). Certainly, in cases of state violence against Albanians, that exceeds the limits of humanity, the press reacts and criticizes: “Denunciation -shock: A policeman was pulling an illegal immigrant with his motorcycle” (Eleftheros Typos, 26/10), “Zitas [riot policeman] was pulling an Albanian with his motorcycle” (Ethnos, 22/10) The Albanian mafia is a subject dealt with very often by the Greek press and contributes to forming a negative image on the Albanians in Greece. “The ‘godfathers’ have divided Attiki in 4” is the title of Apogevmatini (7/10) and it is written: “The Albanian mafia promotes and controls infant prostitution in the center of Athens and offers protection to nights clubs”, Eleftheros Typos (12/10), “Albanian mafiosos spread fear in Corfu” Eleftheros Typos (16/10) “blockade of Albanian hashish in the borders” Eleftheros Typos 16/10). “Terrorism of the illegal immigrants” Ta Nea (26/10). “A huge progress of the Albanian mafia” Apogevmatini (7/10) “Albanian mafia opens the way to white death” Apogevmatini (21/10) “Albanian with a villa in Ekali”. “The leader of Albanian mafia in Greece has bought himself a mansion”.

The image of the Albanian in Greece is directly related to the issue of Northern Epirus (Southern Epirus) and the Greek minority in Albania. Apogevmatini writes about “suffering Northern Epirus” (1/10). “He has been fired by the Albanians because he has written in Greek” is the title of Eleftheros Typos (7/10). In the coverage of the municipal elections in Albania, Eleftheros Typos (27/10) under the title “The confirmation of a pre-announced treason”, says “The deputy of Argyrokastro V. Doulis expresses in public the opinion that the minority should be represented through Albanian parties ... The socialistic government of Simitis, performing a new spectacular bend, has done everything to favor Berisha”. “This policy leads straight to muting of Northern Epirus element, since political representatives will be included in Albanian parties and will be subjected to the control of their political patrons”. While the whole press supports the representation of the Turkish minority in Thrace by Greek political parties, when it comes to expressing the representation of the Greek minority in Albania through Albanian political parties, this is considered as a treason. The non-democratic character of the Albanian political system is expressed in the titles of the newspapers on the elections: Ethnos (21/10) “Albania: Violence and illegitimacy are denounced by the opposition in the elections”. “Illegality is the winner” Eleftherotypia (21/10) “Illegitimacy in a calm climate in the Albanian elections” Eleftheros Typos (20/10): “New electoral joke in Albania : Treason of the Greek government towards Northern Epirus”.

There are also several reports on Albanian society, like the one of Ethnos (26/10), the result of which is the image formed by the press on Albania and Albanians. “Tirana: for those who prefer a third-world magic” “Discussions with Albanians show that their majority is educated... but they leave to find their destiny elsewhere. In their country they haven’t got used to working. What is abundant in Tirana is mafia and the organized crime” and in Ethnos of 21/10: “The central market in Tirana neighborhoods. In this country where nothing has changed and nothing is like it used to be. A strange coexistence. Limos and carriages with vehicle wheels share the roads of Tirana. In Albania of large diversities children sell illegal cigarettes against a background of luxurious Mercedes, stolen from Western Europe”.

Macedonia and Macedonians

The main problem between Greece and Macedonia has been, since 1991, the one of the name. The adjective “Skopjan” is still the only one used by the whole press to call the Macedonians. The news reported in the papers is about the conflict on the name , which defines the negative image of Greek public opinion towards Macedonians. “Skopjan are not Macedonians” is the title of Eleftheros Typos (21/10) “The eminent British professor N. Hammond ... has absolutely defined: Skopjans have nothing to do with ancient Macedonians”. As if the Greek press needs the confirmation of historical truth coming from a British professor! “The subject of the name is ‘delicate’ says Eleftherotypia (3/10) and Adesmeftos Typos (14/10) “Is the regime of Skopje still insisting on us exporting our name and it exporting Macedonians?” The president of the Republic K. Stefanopoulos is also intolerant when it comes to the name: “The Greek character of Macedonia’s name will never be lost” he declares (Ethnos 26/10) “Severe warning from Stefanopoulos towards Skopje” (Apogevmatini 26/10) “Stefanopoulos has expressed his regret about those who try to have this name without deserving it” (Kathimerini 26/10). The image of the people - abuser of a name is completed with the element of social backwardness. “Skopje wants mobile telephones”. “That’s a state! It’s only been 5 years since the declaration of their independence and poor Skopje get mobile telephones”.

Serbia and the Serbs

Serbia and the Serbs are considered by Greeks as the “friendly neighboring people”. “Satisfaction in Greece with the end of embargo against Serbia” writes Ethnos (3/10). Greece is intervening in the European Union on behalf of Serbia” Eleftheropypia states (18/10). The friendship withYugoslavia has been confirmed” Kathimerini adds (24/10). Of course, Serbs cannot be excepted from the element of sly, which is a Balkan qualification, according to To Vima (13/10). “If you think that tension with the Serbs regarding their demands on Salonica port are over, you are a fool. Quite the contrary ... In an official document sent to the Greek authorities in Salonica, it is mentioned as ‘Solun’, just like the Skopjans call it!”. Certainly, there are always the Serbian thieves who steal pizzas (Eleftheros Typos 3/10), while in Adesmeftos Typos (1/10) qualifies the Serbs basketball players as “stubborn”.

Bulgaria and Bulgarians

The Bulgarians are not considered as traditionally friendly people like the Serbs, because of the heavy historical background. However there are no prejudices for Bulgarians based on their socialist past. “Greece - Bulgaria together for the year of 2000” is the title of Eleftheros Typos (27/10). After the murder of Loukanov, the Greek press has widely approached the political and social situation in Bulgaria. In an article of P. Ephthimiou in To Vima (6/10) it is written: “In the neighboring country the mafia is together with political power and the ‘companies’ like Multi-Group the third side of the triangle of the new economic - social regime that took the place of the `real socialism’. The new regime hasn’t formed any production basis either of capital or of social or any other known kind. The old state fortune as well as any product of this country is re-distributed through the influence of these ‘companies’ and their close relation to organized crime, which makes the bond of this new, re-distributing pyramid”. The rest of the press has more or less the same context. “Violence, chaos, uncertainty” is the title of Eleftherotypia (6/10). “Mafia killed Loukanov” is reported by Eleftheros Typos (6/10). “Mafia and political chaos strangle the neighboring country. Murder of Loukanov” is the title of Adesmeftos Typos (3/10).

Romania and Romanians

With the exception of the report on Romanian burglars (Apogevmatini 3/10) “Romanian illegal immigrants turn out to become a scourge that robs houses and shops daily” the image on Romania and the Romanians is more or less neutral or positive. “There is hope for Romania”, “Ion Iliescu has a hard battle to fight next Sunday” the conservative Kathimerini states (27/10). In an article entitled “Lungs of Orthodoxy” Ta Nea (14/10) describe the dominant tendencies in Romanian society. It is mentioned that in Romania there are two kind of people, those who are after money and those who seek “old, stable values” and are on their way to monasteries, which have become a place of regret due to communism. There are 200 monasteries today in Romania. Patriarch Theochristos, coming from Ceauceskou’s group, still has his position and his throne.

Minority Groups in Greece

The results of all surveys carried out in Greece in recent years show the concern, the distrust, the lack of Greek tolerance towards foreigners.

In a research published recently by Ta Nea (12/9) where the tendencies, preferences and viewpoints of school children are defined, in the question “which of the following classifications of children wouldn’t you like to have in your class?” 63% of the pupils have turned down the Gypsy children, 56% the Albanian children, 22% the children coming from Arab countries, Asia and Africa, 16% the Greek children coming from Albania and ex USSR and 7% the Greek children coming from America, England, Germany and Australia. The prejudices against the Gypsies, the Turks, the Albanians, the Jews are profound. The press, with very few exceptions, contributes to the construction and reproduction of a negative image on the ethnic minorities. Religious minority groups face the rejection of the society, the political representatives and the state, due to the crucial role played by the Orthodox church in the state and society (in Greece, church and state are still united).

“They have now discovered ‘minorities’“ is the title of Adesmeftos Typos (20/10) and consider as false the claims on the existence of four minorities (Macedonians, Vlachs, Turks and Arvanites) as well as those on the oppression of (Slavo) Macedonians. All the newspapers criticize the qualification of Turks, when in comes to the Turks of Thrace, and particularly the qualifications coming from the Turkish ambassador Pamir, who has made a visit in Thrace (they only want to refer to them as Muslims). “He spoke of a Turkish minority” Eleftheros Typos says(18/10). “Pamir insists on seeing a Turkish minority in Thrace”. “Mr. Pamir spoke again of the existence of a ‘Turkish minority’“ (Kathimerini, 18/10). “Those who have been referred to as Turks have turned their backs on the ambassador” Ta Nea (18/10). “The Turkish ambassador picks up his remainings” (Eleftherotypia 17/10).

In a research published by Ta Nea (14/10) there is a report on the distrust of the minority population of Thrace towards Greek school and the inferior character of the minority education. “Racist treatment, ghetto, marginality,failure of regular integration in the Greek society, absolute dependence of the woman on the man, insecurity, manipulation by others, cultural inferiority are the results of their ignorance. Their ignorance facilitates their manipulation by various centers of power: their religious leadership and the Turkish propaganda”. The lack of tolerance and the negative image of Gypsies is expressed through newspaper reports when workers closed down the garbage damp in Ano Losia in order to hinder the Gypsies from entering the damp. “People and garbage” is the description of Apogevmatini of the situation (2/10). Adesmeftos Typos (1/10) “Gypsies ravage the area and threaten even the workers’ lives”. “The muggings by armed Gypsies and Albanians against workers still go on” (Apogevmatini 1/10). “The mafia of the garbage”. “Gypsies and Albanians sell dangerous food coming from the garbage” Adesmeftos Typos writes (5/10) while Apogevmatini (6/10) refers to “the whole sale of Gypsies in Liosia”. In Eleftherotypia of 5/10, four reporters of “Ios” in an article entitled “garbage damp” mention the moves against the Gypsies, reveal the intention of their persecution and prove the unfounded accusations of distribution of stale food by Gypsies and Albanians.