What is the 'Blue Homeland' doctrine and the significance of Kastellorizo
In recent times, the 'Blue Homeland' doctrine has frequently been at the center of Turkish foreign policy. It is a strategic concept which argues that Turkey should have an increased role and expanded sovereign rights in the maritime areas surrounding it, including the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.
At the heart of this theory lies Kastellorizo. Turkey disputes the island's rights to maritime zones, arguing that a small island near its coast cannot restrict its own access to the sea. This position stands in complete contradiction to the International Law of the Sea, which recognizes that islands have the right to a continental shelf and an Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Greek side consistently emphasizes that Kastellorizo, like all Greek islands, has full sovereign rights in accordance with international treaties. Greece seeks to resolve differences through dialogue, always based on the framework of International Law, which serves as the foundation for stability in the region.
This dispute remains one of the most critical issues in Greek-Turkish relations. The international community is closely monitoring developments, as the Eastern Mediterranean region is of great geopolitical importance for the energy and security of all of Europe.