This book offers a comprehensive examination of the intricate and multifaceted history of Greek-Armenian relations over the past 150 years. By tracing the shared experiences, periods of cooperation, and moments of conflict, it delves into the political, social, and cultural interactions between these two nations, beginning with the Eastern Question crisis of 1876–1878 and continuing through to contemporary times.
While the longstanding historical ties between Greeks and Armenians are well-documented, this study seeks to go beyond the traditional narratives. It uncovers lesser-known aspects of the relationship, including political alliances, diasporic interactions, state policies, and people-to-people exchanges. The book examines how the Greek and Armenian communities within the Ottoman Empire navigated complex political landscapes, particularly during pivotal moments such as the Balkan Wars, World War I, and the 1919–1922 Greek-Turkish War. Special attention is given to the critical period between 1918 and 1922, when both nations coordinated military actions across Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and Cilicia, as well as jointly presented their diplomatic front during the 1919 Paris Peace Conference.
As the 20th century progressed, the study also explores the aftermath of the Greek-Turkish War and the plight of Armenian refugees in Greece, charting their integration and the contributions of the Greek-Armenian community to the Greek Resistance during World War II. The changing dynamics of Greek-Armenian relations during the Cold War era are also examined, alongside the resurgence of the Armenian Question in 1965 and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
The book’s narrative culminates with an in-depth exploration of the post-1991 period, when Greece and the newly independent Republic of Armenia deepened their political, military, and cultural ties, particularly in response to regional conflicts such as the Nagorno-Karabakh wars.
By addressing both the periods of collaboration and tension, Parallel Lives? Greeks and Armenians, from Millets to Nation-States offers a nuanced perspective on Greek-Armenian relations. The study challenges oversimplified narratives of unbroken solidarity, instead highlighting the resilience and enduring significance of these ties in a changing geopolitical landscape.
This book is not just a historical account but a critical contribution to understanding the broader geopolitical, social, and cultural forces that have shaped the trajectories of both Greece and Armenia.
On April 2, 2025, George Meneshian presented his book Parallel Fortunes; Greeks and Armenians, from Millets to Nation-States to members of the Hellenic American Union
On March 15, 2025, the presentation of the book Parallel Fortunes; Greeks and Armenians, from Millets to Nation-States by George Meneshian took place at the
On September 29, 2024, the presentation of the book Parallel Fortunes; Greeks and Armenians, from Millets to Nation-States by George Meneshian took place at the