Občanská válka a řecká emigrace
The Civil War and Greek Emigration

Summary/Abstract: The scars of the Greek Civil War extended far beyond the battlefields, shaping not only postwar Greece but also the lives of thousands of political refugees who found a new home in Czechoslovakia. This article examines the origins, course, and long-term consequences of the conflict, emphasizing its profound impact on Greek society, political polarization, and demographic development. Following the defeat of the communist forces in 1949, more than 12,000 Greek refugees, including thousands of children, were resettled in Czechoslovakia, where they received housing, education, and employment opportunities. Initially concentrated in rural border regions, the refugees gradually moved to industrial centers and successfully adapted to Czech society while preserving their cultural identity and maintaining hopes of returning to Greece. The study highlights the complex ethnic, linguistic, and political composition of the émigré community, which included not only ethnic Greeks but also Slavic Macedonians, Vlachs, Sephardic Jews, and other minority groups. Internal ideological disputes, influenced by developments within the Greek Communist Party and broader Cold War politics, further shaped community life in exile. The gradual repatriation of many refugees during the 1980s marked the end of a significant chapter in Greek political emigration, although a substantial community remained in the Czech Republic. By exploring both collective experiences and individual trajectories, the article sheds light on a unique migration history linking Greece and Czechoslovakia in the aftermath of one of Europe's most consequential postwar conflicts.

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