Kardak

Kardak, also known as Imia, is a pair of small uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea. They are located between the Greek island of Kalymnos and the Turkish coast. The islets are primarily of strategic and symbolic importance, as their ownership is disputed between Greece and Turkey. The dispute stems from differing interpretations of maritime boundaries and territorial claims in the region. The islets are rocky and barren, with no permanent human habitation. Their significance lies in their geographical position and the historical context of Greek-Turkish relations. The sovereignty of Kardak/Imia has been a recurring point of tension between the two NATO allies. A notable incident occurred in 1996 when a naval standoff took place over the islets, bringing the countries to the brink of conflict. Diplomatic efforts have since been made to de-escalate tensions, though the underlying dispute remains unresolved. The islets are a microcosm of broader territorial and maritime disagreements in the Aegean.