This topic seems to arise frequently, but often on urelated threads. Let's see some opinions on where we all stand with regard to the matter of the Greek component in today's Greeks. I am being specific about this which is why I use the term 'native' Greek-speakers. This is not a discussion about identity, so I don't want to see irrelevant counter-arguments which talk about identities during Ottoman times, because in Macedonia, we had certain groups of people identifying as Greeks, Bulgars and Serbs yet the overwhelming majority of them spoke Macedonian as a native tongue. This is what I am looking for.
My opinion is as follows. I believe that the number of native Greek-speakers was actually significantly increased during the Ottoman Empire due to the cosy relations between the Porte and Patriarchate. At the time of modern Greece's creation, I would say that probably about 20-30% of the population (in the new state) were native Greek-speakers, while the rest were made up by Albanian, Vlach, Turkish, Roma and Slavic-speaking groups. The further south one went, in addition to certain coastal areas, the higher number of Greeks.
Of course this is just my opinion and I am positive that others will have different views. I am happy to provide supportive evidence for the above, although I am confident that most of it can be found on the forum using the search function at the top of the page.
I don't believe that the Greeks were completely wiped out as a people during Roman and Ottoman times. But, as a group of people that spoke Greek natively (and not because that was the official tongue of state, education and/or religion), I believe they were in a minority when compared to most others in the Balkans.
My opinion is as follows. I believe that the number of native Greek-speakers was actually significantly increased during the Ottoman Empire due to the cosy relations between the Porte and Patriarchate. At the time of modern Greece's creation, I would say that probably about 20-30% of the population (in the new state) were native Greek-speakers, while the rest were made up by Albanian, Vlach, Turkish, Roma and Slavic-speaking groups. The further south one went, in addition to certain coastal areas, the higher number of Greeks.
Of course this is just my opinion and I am positive that others will have different views. I am happy to provide supportive evidence for the above, although I am confident that most of it can be found on the forum using the search function at the top of the page.
I don't believe that the Greeks were completely wiped out as a people during Roman and Ottoman times. But, as a group of people that spoke Greek natively (and not because that was the official tongue of state, education and/or religion), I believe they were in a minority when compared to most others in the Balkans.
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