Pontic Greek Genocide

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022

The Pontian Greek Genocide (Greek: Genoktonia ton Ellinon tou Póntou) was a genocide by the Young Turks in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It is estimated that at least 1,100,000 Pontic Greeks were killed during the raids and the massacres.

Many Pontian Greeks were considered unpure by the Turks and were massacred for not giving up their Christianity and becoming Muslims. The Pontian Greeks lost their homes and possessions to the sultan, Adulhamed the Red. Even before the genocide, they had been persecuted and forced to pay high taxes.

Since ancient times and the conquest of the Trebizond Empire, the Pontian Greeks have not have had their own nation. Their diaspora has spread to many different countries. Under the rule of Kurds and Ottomans, the Pontian Greeks were oppressed and assimilated to society, and many lost their independence. Those who have survived keep their common unity, especially in their deep Christian faith.

The Pontian Greek genocide took place in the same context and period as the Assyrian and the Armenian genocides.

Questions and Answers

Q: What was the Pontian Greek Genocide?

A: The Pontian Greek Genocide was a genocide by the Young Turks in the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

Q: How many Pontic Greeks were estimated to have been killed during the genocide?

A: At least 1,100,000 Pontic Greeks were estimated to have been killed during the raids and massacres.

Q: Why were many Pontian Greeks massacred by the Turks?

A: Many Pontian Greeks were considered unpure by the Turks and were massacred for not giving up their Christianity and becoming Muslims.

Q: What did the Pontian Greeks lose during the genocide?

A: The Pontian Greeks lost their homes and possessions to the sultan, Abdulhamid the Red.

Q: Were the Pontian Greeks persecuted even before the genocide?

A: Yes, even before the genocide, the Pontian Greeks had been persecuted and forced to pay high taxes.

Q: Who ruled over the Pontian Greeks and oppressed them?

A: The Kurds and Ottomans ruled over the Pontian Greeks and oppressed them, assimilating them to society and causing many to lose their independence.

Q: Did the Pontian Greeks have their own nation before the genocide?

A: No, the Pontian Greeks have not had their own nation since ancient times and the conquest of the Trebizond Empire.