How do the Greeks of Constantinople live in the pre-election rhythm? What are their expectations and worries for the next day? What will the election results mean for Greek citizenship; A few 24 hours before opening surveys in Turkeythree Greeks and one Greek woman living in the city of Constantinople and those active in different sectors speak to “K”, analyzing from their point of view the pre-election “derby” between Tayyip Erdogan and Kemal Kılıçdaroglu.

“These elections are interesting because they set the stage for a dramatic change in Turkey’s political landscape, given that Erdogan is no longer the undisputed favourite. The protracted economic crisis, the “danger” of establishing an ideological non-Western framework, and the subsequent saturation of his administration rallied the opposition, giving it hope that change is possible,” he tells K. Dimitris Triantafyllou, Professor of International Relations, Kadir Has University who has been living in Istanbul for the past 13 years.

“The reality, however, is that destabilizing Erdogan is not an easy task,” he adds, and explains: “Despite the difficulties facing the Turkish president, the narrative and actions of an independent and proud Turkey – politically, economically and energetically – resonate with a significant parts of the population. Same thing with a story about stability which is projected onto the uncertainty of whether, in the event of the victory of a motley opposition alliance, he will be able to overcome his contradictions and effectively govern.

“Ataturk’s photo on the streets has decreased”

For Turkish society, the May 14 elections are the most important since the creation of the Turkish Republic (1923), as they are called upon to decide whether to go into a third decade with the same leader or try to change power. according to the multi-party “recipe”. The task is great and is reflected in the tough electoral struggle waged by both sides.

“You see that in many parts of the city, Photo of Kemal Atatürk has been scaled downand next to him is a much larger photo of Erdogan, with an emphasis on him as a new symbol of Turkey in the new century, ”said the 50-year-old“ K ” Joanna M., business executive who has been living in Istanbul for the last 12 years. “Kilichdaroglu, on the other hand, is being projected as a new Ataturk. As she usually says: “In 100 years, a new Kemal will come to continue the work begun by his namesake,” she says.

The daily lives of voters at this time seem to be influenced by the power of digital media and the power of… astrologers.

“Turkey is a country with many weaknesses, problems and difficulties, and the election atmosphere of the past two months has often been threatening, on the one hand, creating tension and uncertainty in Turkish society, and on the other hand, influencing business and investment strategies. “, – he emphasizes from the side of Lakis Vigas, third generation Greek from Istanbul, who is one of the most active representatives of the Greek minority. Mr. Vigas, who has been a spokesman for non-Muslim institutions for many years, among other things, told K that there are two factors influencing the daily life of voters these days: the power of digital media and the power of… astrologers.

“There are three days left before the elections, and restrained fear reigns in the streets. There are not as many people outside as in previous days. Everyone is waiting for the results of the Sunday elections, and people are generally hesitant,” Joanna says, broadcasting to “K” the climate of the last days in the city.

“For example, you see the ‘pot movement’ for a few days on the canals, and then the case is closed.”

Whatever the outcome, he explains, it will be quickly accepted by the citizens of Turkey. “The strangest thing about Turkish reality is that people very quickly get used to, adapt to everything that comes their way. These are the people who do not protest, do not go out into the streets, do not shout. There is a part of the people, intelligent and educated, defending their rights, who can make a small “revolution”, but this never reaches the ears of the rulers. For example, there is “pot movement”. Every time something serious happens in the country, the pots are rung at 9 pm. This shows the attitude of citizens, but you see it for a couple of days through the channels, and then the case is closed.”

The next day for the Greek diaspora

With only 3,000 Greek emigrants living in Istanbul today, everyone agrees that whoever becomes the next president of Turkey will not want to disturb the peaceful relations that have developed over the years. “The respective Turkish government has the advantage of trying to protect the diaspora, as does the Ecumenical Patriarchate, given that they do not play a significant role in the domestic political scene. The city’s Romans now forcibly number 3,000 if we include those from Antioch who have joined the community in recent years. It is in Turkey’s interest to demonstrate abroad that it respects their rights,” he said. Prof. Mr. Triantafillou.

“Our problem is population”

When you live in a country, you harmonize with its own reality, she says. Joanna explaining that this also happens to Greeks currently living and working in Turkey. “Greeks live like Turkish citizens, and every time they adapt to the existing reality. We don’t expect any special changes, unless the new government imposes something specifically for minorities or Greeks, which, however, we cannot know at the moment.”

“Our problem is not political, but demographic,” he says for his part. Lakis Vigas. “We are in a period where the reduction is becoming threatening. It threatens our future and our history. There is very little left to “raise” a huge story in a city of 18 million, which, nevertheless, accepts us, supports and cooperates with us.”

They fear worse days for the economy

“As an employee who is considered to be in the middle class, the financial crisis has begun to negatively affect my daily life, as rising prices for food, rent and other goods have forced me to significantly limit spending,” he said. says K. Mr Triantafillou. “The exchange rate due to the rapid depreciation of the Turkish lira also has a negative impact on to be able to fulfill their obligations in Greece. After the election, everyone fears that the economy will weaken even more, the national currency will lose even more of its value, and inflation will rise regardless of who wins the election.”

41 year old tour guide Johnny Kurtesoglou, a 5th generation Greek living in Istanbul and the owner of a travel agency in Galata, during his travels comes into daily contact with hundreds of Turks from all over the country. “Closer to the center of the country, you see a Turkish day laborer who supports Erdogan, because the incumbent president knows his needs very well and is easier to convince,” he tells K, explaining that a change of power in Turkey cannot happen so easily.