Pontian

Police in Thessaloniki are investigating the vandalism of a monument to the Greeks of Pontus and Asia Minor in which a metal sculpture attached to it was removed and stolen.

The Monument of Pontic and Asia Minor Hellenism, which comprises a six-meter inclined column, topped by seven illuminated birds, was erected in the Municipality of Neapoli-Sykies in 2023.

This significant event serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic events of the Pontian Genocide

The anniversary of the Pontian Greek Genocide "reminds the international community of the importance, for the peaceful coexistence of peoples, of recognising crimes against humanity in order to prevent their repetition in the future," President Katerina Sakellaropoulou has said.

“Pontian Greeks adopted Turkish language and culture, and many converted to Islam in order to have greater opportunities in Turkish society”

The illumination will take place on May 19, the Day of Remembrance of the Pontian Genocide

A pair of Evzones, members of the presidential guard, performed the change of guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside Parliament on Tuesday dressed in the traditional black Pontian costume to mark the 101st anniversary of the Pontic Genocide.

Thessaloniki mayor Yannis Boutaris on Monday described those who attacked him during an event on Saturday commemorating the massacre of Pontian Greeks by Turks during World War I as "organized fascists." 

Boutaris was briefly hospitalized after being thrown to the ground, kicked and punched by about 12 people.

The historical memory of the Pontian Genocide remains alive, Greek PM Alexis Tsipras tweeted on occasion of National Memorial Day on May 19, for the ethnic cleansing of nearly 300,000 Pontian Greeks in the aftermath of the first World War between 1914-1923. “May 19 is a day of remembrance and respect to the Greeks of Pontos.