A new study of the international and local politics surrounding the Muslim minority of Western Thrace (Greece) in the 1940s, based on previously unseen archival material. Addresses the minority's complex identity, its relations with other communities in the area, the international diplomacy of WWII and strategic considerations of the Cold War.

KEVIN FEATHERSTONE is the Eleftherios Venizelos Chair of Contemporary Greek Studies and the Director of the Hellenic Observatory at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. He has published widely on European and Greek politics. Two of his recent books arePolitics and Policy in Greece (editor; 2005) andThe Limits of Europeanization (with D. Papadimitriou, Palgrave Macmillan, 2008).

DIMITRIS PAPADIMITRIOU is a Reader in European Politics at the University of Manchester, UK. His research interests focus on Greek politics, the Balkans and the European Union's external relations. His most recent books includeThe Limits of Europeanisation (with K. Featherstone, Palgrave Macmillan, 2008) andFrom Marginalisation to Membership (with D. Phinnemore; 2008).

ARGYRIS MAMARELIS was a Research Associate of the Hellenic Observatory of the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK during 2006-8.His researchinterests include Modern Greek History, World War II History, Balkan History and Politics. He has made several contributions to academic journals, edited books and international conferences on Greek history in the 1940s.

GEORGIOS NIARCHOS was a Research Associate of the Hellenic Observatory of the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK during 2006-8. His research interests include Greek-Turkish Relations, Balkan History and Minorities. He has made several contributions to academic journals, edited books and international conferences on minorities in Greece and Turkey.

Introduction The Study of the Muslim Community of Western Thrace in Context On the Path to War Belomorie Strategies for Survival In Between Two Wars Çekiç Ile Örs Arasinda (Between a Rock and a Hard Place) Parallel Universes Conclusion