The Treaty of Laussane has played a significant role in shaping Hellenic Turkish relations since it was signed on 24 July 1923.

With tensions having reached new heights between the neighbouring countries in recent times, Dr Panayiotis Diamadis will present a timely lecture exploring the treaty’s legacy.

Imposed on the Ottoman Empire, beyond Greece and Turkey, the Treaty of Laussane has played a key role in defining national borders and breeding an impressive set of myths around its terms and impacts. Meanwhile, it also set a precedent in international law: the legal involuntary physical relocation of populations.

Dr Diamadis will present his lecture with a two-fold purpose; uncovering some of the prominent myths, and exploring Lausanne’s central place in modern relations between Athens and Ankara, and, in doing so, establishing itself as a milestone in international relations and law.

A Greek Australian scholar, Dr Diamadis has been an active educator and researcher for 20 years. His doctorate thesis through the University of Sydney, is titled ‘Hellenism Under the Crescent: A Case Study of an Ongoing Genocide’, in which he examines Turkish government policy towards its indigenous Hellenic population from the 1300s to the 1990s.

Dr Diamadis’ particular research interests are the genocides of the indigenous Hellenic, Assyrian, and Armenian peoples of the Middle East and Australian Hellenic heritage around the eastern Mediterranean.

The lecture is being presented as part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars offered by the Greek Community of Melbourne.

Dr Diamadis will present his lecture on Thursday 26 July at the Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC) at 7.00 pm. Free to attend. For information, call (03) 9662 2722 or email info@greekcommunity.com.au