Misconception: He
hates Greece

Reality: They don’t
truly hate each other, even though they say they do. Their actions prove otherwise.

Ex: They’re
compared to cats and dogs.

Ex: They bicker
and get into fights whenever they see each other, often creating disputes out
of nothing [x]. 

                                                           +

Nonetheless, they have made some advances in their
relationship.

Ex: Turkey’s form
of ‘bullying’ Greece is taking the latter to a bathhouse and massaging his “stiff
bones.”

Ex: It’s also important to remember that Greece lived with Turkey for a considerable part of his childhood, up until he gained independence in the 19th century.

Ex: During the
Christmas 2007 event, Greece offers that France strip him instead rather than
taking off Turkey’s mask [don’t ask], even though Turkey later appears with the
mask off anyway. What matters is that it’s hinted that Turkey possibly isn’t
comfortable with taking off the mask – Greece’s expression is indicative of
that.

                                                           …

Misconception: He’s
the bad guy.

Reality: He was a
world superpower just like other European empires at the time. 

What likely made him
‘evil’ in fanon is that he came between Spain and Romano.

Ex: There’s
literally no difference between Austria conquering Veneziano and Turkey’s
attempt to conquer Romano, and yet Turkey’s selectively depicted as the villain
in fanon.

He’s not
particularly malicious either. 

Ex: He promises not to kill Romano (the weapon he brandishes is all show) and later leaves to get porridge instead of resuming his battle over Romano with Spain [x]. 

Misconception: He’s
obnoxiously cocky and arrogant

Reality: He was
cocky and arrogant in his prime but has mellowed out and become more docile
with age. While his stubbornness has remained, he has a sensitive side too.

Ex: Romano thinks
of him as a scary old fart [x].

Ex: Depending on the
character note, he’s either referred to as an old man or an uncle-type figure. Point
is, he’s considerably older than most of the other nations.

Ex: Despite his
old age, he still exercises feats of strength when least expected. In this
case, his success in stopping a pick-pocketer was enough to impress Germany.

Ex: He attempts
to force himself into an EU meeting. In other depictions, it’s also shown that
not being granted a membership in the EU is upsetting to him [x] [x]

His mask: 

Not much is known about why he covers his face with a mask. Regardless,
there are times where he’s spotted without one. For the most part, when his
face is revealed it’s either shaded or partially turned to the side.

There are some times, however, where his full face is shown.
Hima’s linked to a couple drawings on his blog, where if you click on them, the
mask comes off [x] [x]. 

Bonus Facts:

He’s a good salesman.

In a bizarre fan request, Hima depicts Turkey – as the origin
of Santa – visiting Iceland dressed as Santa. It turns out to be a dream. Mental indeed,
Iceland [x]. 

He has a good relationship with Japan.

He’s considerably
muscular + well-built [x]. 

Although, Hima also said that Turkey would be “just as fine”
with a bit of stomach sticking out and depicted him as such [x].

It’s completely normal for him not to be wearing that much
clothing.

He’s part of the Gourmet Food Club.

All in all, Turkey’s bad reputation stems in large from his
portrayal in fanon; it wasn’t the series itself that depicted him like this. There’s
literally nothing that differentiates him and his actions from other empires in
canon.