In the lead-up to the sensitive anniversary of the Imia incident, a retired Turkish admiral has reignited tensions by asserting Turkey’s claims over the Aegean Sea.
The admiral, Cem Gürdeniz, known for his role in the development of Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine, made provocative remarks regarding territorial waters and sovereignty in the region.
Admiral Gürdeniz stated, “49% of the Aegean Sea is international waters, and its continental shelf is equally divided with Turkey.” His comments challenge Greece’s perspective on sovereignty over the Aegean, suggesting that Turkey is entitled to a significant share of the region.
He criticized Greece for what he described as living in a “world of illusions,” accusing Athens of mistakenly believing it holds full dominance over the Aegean Sea. He further argued against Greece’s territorial claims, particularly the proposed extension of their territorial waters from six to twelve nautical miles.
Gürdeniz also contested Greece’s rights in the eastern Mediterranean, highlighting the small island of Kastellorizo, which lies close to the Turkish coast. He argued that the island should not be granted an extensive continental shelf, as claimed by Greece.
The retired admiral’s remarks drew attention to international support for Greece, particularly from the EU and the USA, which back the contentious EU Seville map—a document Turkey claims limits its access to the Mediterranean.
Gürdeniz described the “Mavi Vatan” or “Blue Homeland” initiative as a defensive measure against what he labeled unjust claims. He invoked the historical precedent of overcoming the Treaty of Sèvres, suggesting Turkey is prepared to confront similar challenges today.
These declarations arrive at a time of heightened sensitivity, as both nations commemorate the Imia anniversary—a reminder of past confrontations. The remarks have the potential to strain Greek-Turkish relations further, underscoring the complexity of territorial disputes in the region.