Türk-Yunan sorununun Avrupalılaşması

This study will underscore the role of Europeanization in Turkish-Greek dispute, the character of which has traditionally known as one of the problematic neighborhood relations. The bilateral relations reveal a détente pattern throughout the past. Many crisis and escalations among two states are followed by a détente process i.e. 1930s, 1950s, 1978 and 1987 incidents and afterwards the dialogue process. Turkish-Greek relations have entered a new phase namely a rapprochement process after 1999 which is different in character of usual détente pattern in relations. There have been various factors that had an influence on transformation of the relations. Two of most prominent factors are the EU and other European institutions. Thereby, this research seeks to understand the impacts of European institutions on the both sides of the Aegean. In this regard, I will elaborate the definition of Europeanization and its perception in Turkey and Greece. Furthermore, I will touch upon the discussion regarding the role of international institutions in world politics. In order to understand the current situation in Turkish-Greek relations a broad and detailed historical background about main conflicting areas and bilateral crises is provided to reader. Lastly, I gave a space to an analysis of interaction in different levels since 1999 which is based upon news from media, economic indicators and official documents from the EU, Turkey and Greece. This study argues that the new era in Turkish-Greek relations since 1999 have marked by the Europeanization which has major effects. I found the indications institutionalized cooperation and communication on both overcoming the core issues and also on seizing new opportunities in foreign affairs and economics. Overall, it seems that the Europeanization does have a considerable impact in Turkish-Greek rapprochement. However, if and to what extent this impact will continue has remained to be seen in near future.Key Words: Turkish-Greek relations; Europeanization; European Union (EU); the Aegean disputes; Turkey; Greece.