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Almost all
criticism against textbooks pointed to the nationalist messages
they intended to convey, in order to serve the purpose of the
'state'. History textbooks tried to boost a kind of national
self-confidence by exaggerating national accomplishments and
degrading the history of the 'other side'. This obsession with
comparing the two sides often resulted in presenting a mythical
past, in which 'our' side was idealized and superior, while
the 'other' was an unjust and eternal enemy. This mythical past
is at least partly responsible for the present relations between
Greece and Turkey.
The elimination of negative attributes in textbooks is an important step that
has largely been accomplished. The long-term target now should
be much more ambitious. In a world where the threat of nuclear
war is a thing of the past, where national frontiers - especially
within the European
Union - are losing their traditional meaning, where the
power of communications is bringing people closer every day,
education should also follow a realistic path and purpose.
The long-term target in education - particularly with reference to
textbooks- should be brave, honest, and radical. The next step should aim at
creating a new understanding of the past. We should try to integrate a new
'national identity', where citizens are free from xenophobia, racist
prejudices, and nationalist ideals. | An acknowledged authority on Greek-Turkish relations, Hercules Millas was born in Istanbul of Greek descent. A civil
engineer by training, he founded the first Modern Greek Department in Turkey,
at Ankara University. A visiting lecturer at the University of Macedonia,
Thessaloniki, Millas has published numerous books and essays on Greek and
Turkish literature and history. In 1992, he received Turkey's prestigious Abdi
Ipecki Peace Award. |
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