The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), in collaboration with Pontiaki Estia will host the Annual Pontian Genocide Memorial Seminar: Pontus the Opera on Thursday, 16 May as part of its Greek History and Culture Public Seminar Series.
Neos Kosmos‘ contributor Dean Kalimniou, well-known lawyer, poet, and short story writer, will lead the seminar. He has published seven poetry collections in Greek and translated the works of many local Greek authors into English. Kalimniou’s latest release is a bilingual children’s book, “Simela and the Magic Kemenche,” with another one, ‘The Librarian from Cappadocia,’ set to be released in 2024.
Kalimniou’s lecture will challenge the perception of Pontus as a secluded enclave with its own distinct cultural traits. He will explore its historical interconnectedness and how it has fascinated the Western psyche, inspiring opera and classical music.
The seminar aims to augment and confound stereotypes of Pontus, particularly as “the other,” leading to discussions about externally and internally imposed Orientalism and its impact on identity formation.
The event holds significant importance as it commemorates the tragic events of the Pontian Genocide, honoring the resilience of the Pontian Greek community. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost during this dark period in history.
The seminar will take place at the Mezzanine Level of The Greek Centre, located at 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. It is open to the public, offering attendees the opportunity to engage in discussions with the speaker following the lecture.
May 19 is recognized as Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating the systematic persecution and mass killing of Greeks along the Black Sea coast during World War I and the Greco-Turkish War. The genocide, officially recognized by the Greek state in 1994, signifies the Ottoman Turks’ campaign to eradicate or forcibly remove indigenous Christian communities of Anatolia, including the Pontic Greeks.
When: Thursday, 16 May, at 7pm
Where: Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne)
Entry: Free
For more information, contact the Greek Community of Melbourne at +61 3 9662 2722 or email info@greekcommunity.com.au.
