The workshop on "The Past and Present of the Pontus Issue" was organized in collaboration with our university's Graduate School of Black Sea Studies and the Departments of International Relations and History. The workshop took place at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Culture and Congress Center on December 13, 2023, with various distinguished participants, members of the press, academic and administrative staff, and students.

The opening speech of the workshop, bringing together expert academicians and researchers in the field, was delivered by Prof. Dr. İsmail KÖSE, the director of KTU Graduate School of Black Sea Studies. He emphasized the importance of scientific research in preventing the distortion of historical realities and the spread of untruths, stating, "It should be remembered that if we do not speak, discuss, or address the issue, Pontus associations, numbering more than 600 worldwide, will continue to tarnish Türkiye by taking advantage of the power of propaganda based on their own narratives. Considering all these aspects, our university collaborates with public institutions to explain historical events with a scientific methodology, preventing the impact of disinformation and ensuring that the incorrect perception does not take root or become commonplace."

Following Prof. Dr. İsmail KÖSE's speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, the honorary chairman of the workshop, addressed the attendees. He stated, "Allegations of the so-called Pontus genocide are based on developments in Anatolia after World War I. Therefore, objectively researching what happened during this period and presenting the issue in all its dimensions is the only correct way to unravel these claims. Historians should be the ones to accomplish this task. However, discussions around the topic are often conducted more on a political basis. Hence, it should not be surprising that allegations of Pontus genocide are brought to the forefront, especially during periods of tension in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The biggest obstacle to fully understanding the issue lies in this flawed approach. This insincere attitude can be clarified by questioning the real goals and expectations behind Greece's claims on genocide. It is evident that the accusation of Pontus genocide against Türkiye mostly serves political purposes. To illuminate the issue in its entirety and truly clarify it, it is essential to place all discussions on a scientific level."

Governor Aziz YILDIRIM, in his speech, expressed his belief that the concepts of the Turkish nation and genocide are the last concepts that will come together. He highlighted the peaceful coexistence of minority groups, living freely under the umbrella of the Turkish nation, and cautioned against attempts to condemn Türkiye in international circles by bringing up baseless claims such as Pontus and Armenian issues or genocide.

The workshop continued with presentations and discussions, covering topics such as the conceptual foundation of the Pontus Issue, historical debates surrounding Pontus dominance in the Black Sea region, pre-World War I Pontic organization efforts, the effects of Russian occupation on Pontic activities in Trabzon, the origin of the Pontos name and geography, debates about the Komnenos' dominance in the Black Sea, and pre-World War I Pontic organizational attempts. The afternoon session delved into the Pontus Issue during the National Struggle Period and afterward examined Pontic activities during the National Struggle and Republic periods, political uses of Pontus propaganda, the global evolution of the issue, and Greece's perspective. The workshop concluded with a workshop session for a general assessment.

 

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