THE GREAT IDEA AND REESTABLISHING OF NATIONAL UNITY AND IDENTITY OF GREEKS (Wielka idea a budowanie jednosci i tozsamosci narodowej Greków)

'Great Idea' was an irredentist concept of Greek nationalism that implied the goal of reestablishing a large Greek state encompassing all ethnic Greeks outside state's borders, mostly under Ottoman rule. After the achievement of Greek independence in 1830, the 'Great Idea' for many years dominated not only the domestic and foreign politics but also determined researches, architecture and literature. Although the believers of the 'Great Idea' strived for building unity and national identity of Greek nation, their efforts ended the major military defeat and caused the national schism. The text presents the influence and consequence the 'Great Idea' in formation of unity and national identity regenereted Greece.