Lesbos, in search for the past

In Turkey, sometimes people utter the phrase ‘burası Türkiye,’ which literally means ‘this is Turkey,’ but actually implies all of the different unexpected adventures or misadventures one can encounter here, going to Lesbos was one of those times While living in the Netherlands, what I noticed was a lot of young second or third-generation Turks were constantly looking for their roots. Many of my Turkish friends who are living in the Netherlands sooner or later tried to find out more about the village their parents or grandparents used to live in. It is not only Turkish people abroad who want to learn about their roots. I got married in 2007 to a Turkish woman, Gonca, and learned that her ancestors came from the Island of Lesbos. After the population exchange in 1923, Gonca’s grandfather and his family had to leave the island and started a new life in Burhaniye. So we planned a trip to Lesbos Island. She (and other Turkish people who directly or indirectly had to deal with this population exchange) is also very curious about her roots.

One of the questions asked by all Turkish people within five minutes after talking to them will be “Where are you from?” This might seem to be a strange question, but actually they are asking: Where did your ancestors come from? Turkey is a complex country with a lot of minorities. We have Laz people, Armenians, Greeks, Kurds, people from the Caucasus and etc., and to be able to “place” someone, Turkish people want to know where their ancestors came from. I heard this question while living in the Netherlands; I still hear this question while living in Turkey every day. It is essential for Turkish people and there is no bad intention whatsoever...