Ottoman Rule (1453-1821)

For almost 400 years, Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire — an era referred to as "Tourkokratia" (Turkish rule) and considered a dark time of oppression in Greek consciousness. The historical reality was more nuanced, but the memory remains politically potent to this day.

The Ottomans introduced the Millet System: Religious communities largely governed themselves. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople became the political head of all Orthodox Christians in the empire — a role the church claims to this day. Greeks were important as Phanariots (named after the Istanbul district of Phanar) in Ottoman administration and diplomacy, and Greek trade fleets dominated the eastern Mediterranean.

At the same time, the population suffered from high taxes (Kharaj), the Devshirme (child levy) — Christian boys were forced to convert to Islam and serve as Janissaries in the Ottoman army — and arbitrary rule by local potentates. In the countryside, a culture of armed resistance developed: The Klephts (brigands) became folk heroes who fought against the Ottomans in the mountains.

Some regions enjoyed special rights: The Mani (southern Peloponnese) was never fully subdued, the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, etc.) belonged to Venice, not the Ottoman Empire. Crete only fell in 1669 after a 21-year siege of Heraklion — the longest siege in history.