The 2021 Thessaloniki International Trade Fair falls on the bicentenary of the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Turks, and Greek media reports have shed light on plans for Turkey to be the country of honour at the large event.
Protothema.gr revealed a document showing the Syriza government’s official proposal for the 2021 Thessaloniki Trade Fair with plans for Turkey to be the country of honour.
The proposal had been tabled during Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 5 February as a sign of good faith and as a move of reciprocity when the Greek PM asked for the reopening of the Theological School of Halki.
Should the proposal push through, it would mean that Turkey will be at the centre of attention at Greece’s largest event that draws global media coverage. The tribute to Turkey would be even more significant in 1821 as it would mark the start of Greece’s 1821 uprising against the Ottoman Turks.