Abstract:

The Corps of Rum Scouts of Istanbul was the most active and well-organized scouting organization in the Ottoman Empire during the Armistice period (1918-1922). In a short while this organization became quite popular among local Rum community. The Armistice years created a suitable miliue for the spreading of Rum scouting groups owing to the Ottoman’s lack of authority over Rum community. This article intends to evaluate how Rum boy scout movement played such an important role in the promotion of Greek national identity among Rum population and how scouting activities aroused national awakening against Ottoman Empire. The Rum community living in the Ottoman territory produced strong tension through scouting organizations against the Ottoman authority. In conclusion, following the defeat of Greece in 1922, the Megali Idea ended with a national disaster for Greece and Rum community leading to a real national crisis and collective trauma. Then this organization completely disappeared from Istanbul and Asia Minor.

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