Pontic Greek Genocide: What Happened
Between 1914 and 1923, the Greek communities of Pontus, the region along the southern coast of the Black Sea in northern Anatolia, suffered mass killings, deportations and death marches under the Ottoman authorities and later the Turkish nationalist movement. Greeks had lived there since ancient colonists founded Trebizond and Sinope. During World War I, Ottoman authorities conscripted many Greek men into labor battalions, where large numbers died from hunger, disease and exhaustion. Entire communities were deported inland on forced marches, and villages were destroyed. The violence continued during the Greco-Turkish War of 1919 to 1922, including executions of community leaders. The persecution was part of wider violence against Christian minorities in Anatolia, including the Armenian and Assyrian genocides. Estimates of the number of Pontic Greeks who died vary widely and remain disputed. In 1994, the Greek parliament recognized the events as genocide and made 19 May a day of remembrance. Several other countries and organizations also recognize it, while Turkey rejects the term. Survivors resettled in Greece through the population exchange of 1923.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Pontic Greek Genocide?
It refers to the mass killings, deportations and death marches suffered by the Greeks of Pontus, on the Black Sea coast of Anatolia, between 1914 and 1923.
Who were the Pontic Greeks?
The Pontic Greeks were Greeks who lived in Pontus, northern Anatolia, since ancient times, when Greek colonists founded cities such as Trebizond and Sinope.
When is Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day?
Greece commemorates the Pontic Greek Genocide every year on 19 May, a day of remembrance established by the Greek parliament in 1994.
Is the Pontic Greek Genocide officially recognized?
Greece recognized the events as genocide in 1994, and several other countries and organizations also recognize it. Turkey rejects the term.
What happened to the Pontic Greek survivors?
Survivors resettled in Greece through the population exchange of 1923, especially in Macedonia. Pontic Greek culture, music and dialect remain alive in Greece and the diaspora.
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