Greek officials mark anniversary of Pontic Greek Genocide, Turkish officials deny its existence

ATHENS / ANKARA — On 19 May, Remembrance Day for the Pontic Greek Genocide, was marked by Greek and Turkish leaders issuing starkly opposing statements on the historical tragedy. 

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis commemorated the victims, emphasizing the atrocities committed against the Pontic Greeks. “A dark page in world history, [the genocide] violates the core of every humanitarian value. It is our duty to keep the memory alive and to fight for the recognition of historical truth, without forgetting the past,” he said in a statement. He further honored the resilience of the Pontic Greek community, stating, “Their legacy now lives on in every corner of the country and in every new generation that bears the weight and dignity of Pontic heritage. We will always stand by them — on the side of truth and justice.” 

Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas echoed these sentiments, calling for international recognition of the genocide. “International recognition is the least tribute that can be paid to those Pontic Greeks who lost their lives,” he stated. “It would also contribute to global efforts to prevent such heinous crimes from ever happening again.” 

Turkey, however, sharply rejected the Greek leadership’s remarks. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued a statement condemning the comments, describing them as “delusional” and “completely incompatible with historical facts.” He asserted that such claims aim to defame Turkey’s War of Independence, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which began on 19 May 1919. 

The Pontic Greek Genocide, which took place between 1914 and 1923, resulted in the deaths of over 350,000 Greeks from the Pontus region along the southern Black Sea coast. Greece officially recognized the atrocities as genocide in 1994, designating 19 May 19 as a National Day of Remembrance. 

Turkey, however, has consistently denied allegations of systematic atrocities against specific groups, maintaining that the deaths occurred during a time of war and conflict. Turkish officials reiterated their longstanding stance, dismissing accusations as baseless and incompatible with historical evidence, a narrative also used regarding the Armenian and Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) genocides.