The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) demonstrated an impressive display of solidarity and commemoration by adorning the Greek Centre with a bright red hue, in memory of the Greek Pontian Genocide. The GCM extended their condolences to all those impacted by this tragic episode and reiterated their steadfast commitment to seeking justice, healing, and reconciliation.
Over 300,000 Pontic Greeks, from the Black Sea, where they had lived for thousands of years, were murdered. Death marches (all the way to Syria), massacres, looting, burnings, and the systematic rape of thousands of women and girls were carried out by Ottoman paramilitaries and often regular troops, under the stewardship of “three Pashas.” The campaign was fuelled by a new pan-turkic racial ideology and fervent nationalism.
Between 1913 and 1922 the Ottomans and then the fledgling Turkish republic enacted the ethnic cleansing of Asia Minor’s (Turkey) indigenous Christian populations including Armenians, Assyrians and Pontic and other Hellenes. Over 1.2 million Hellenes were forced into exile.
Through this gesture of remembrance, the GCM emphasises the importance of comprehending and acknowledging past events to shape a brighter future characterised by progress and enlightenment. GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM reflected on the significance of the broader Greek community coming together to honour the memory of the Greek Pontian Genocide, which claimed countless lives of Pontian Greeks.
The GCM aims to increase awareness by sharing historical truths, ensuring that the older generations remember and the younger generations learn about the horrors of the past. The organisation recognises that acknowledging past atrocities is crucial in creating a world where such events are never repeated, and everyone can live in peace, understanding, and mutual respect.
The impact of the Greek Pontian Genocide is palpable, as evidenced by the personal experiences of many in the community. The president of the Community shared a poignant story of his grandmother, a woman of extraordinary strength, who was profoundly affected by the events of the Greek Pontian Genocide. Her words of hope and resilience, “Vasili, always look to the future,” continue to inspire him to this day.
The GCM’s vibrant red display of solidarity and commemoration underscores the importance of acknowledging past atrocities and striving towards a future characterised by peace, mutual understanding, and respect for all.
