Conference of Oppressed Peoples in Greece

The suffering, trauma, tears and voices of the victims of genocide and massacres on the Anatolian axis are united in Central Macedonia.

In Central Macedonia/Imathias Prefecture (one of the strongholds of Pontic Greeks in Greece), an impressive gathering of representatives of different ethnic backgrounds has come together from 5 to 8 September 2023. The main theme of the conference was: “Genocides: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow – Their Consequences, Their Coping and Their Avoidance”.

Each of them bears the weight of the sacrifices they have suffered at the hands of the racist policies of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, whether through expulsion from their homelands or even the horror of genocide. Assyrian Christians, Armenians, Greeks, Dersimians, Yazidis, Kocgiri and Arab Alawites have united in a common cause: justice and reconciliation. The organizations were characterized by:

– Yervand Khosrovian (Armenian National Cultural Center)
– Dimitris Konstantinidis (AGADEKA Council of Peoples and Association of Greeks from Pontos in Cologne
– Kenan Araz (Institute of Mesopotamia Studies-IfMS )
– Kemal Karabulut (Chairman of the Federation of Dersim Communities in Europe FDG)
– Prof. Dr. Sefik Tagay (Society of Ezidi Academics, GEA)
– Hasan Özer (Association of Citizens of Kocgiri in Europe)
– Petrus Afrem-Barsom (Assyrian Youth League of Central Europe)
Represent.

Our diversity is our collective strength, and our shared history of suffering connects us deeply. The time has come to transcend ethnic and religious boundaries and proclaim a powerful message of unity and solidarity.

We would also like to express our deep appreciation for the dedicated scientists and researchers who laid the foundation for this historic meeting. Special thanks to:
– Prof. Dr. Theodosis Kyriakidis, Chair of Pontic Studies, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki
– Prof. Dr. Bedriye Poyraz, University of Ankara, Turkey
– Prof. Dr. Armen Marsoobian (invited), Southern Connecticut State University
– Prof. Dr. Sefik Tagay, Cologne University of Applied Sciences
– Prof. Dr. Önver Cetrez, Uppsala University, Sweden Dr. Zeki Sagdıc, General Practitioner Midyat/Turabdin, Turkey

Their important research and expertise have made it possible for us to come together here for four days and work for a better future.
Special thanks also go to: Elena Lazadaou for the moderation, Parthena Iordaniou for the Greek and German translations and AGADEKA board, especially Dimitrios Konstantinidis for her skilful organization of these four days.
We urge the international community not to forget the crimes against humanity that overshadow our common history and to support the cause of human rights and justice. We demand that those responsible be held accountable to ensure that such heinous events are never repeated.
Let us strive together to create a world where tolerance, understanding and peace set the tone. May our meeting in Thessaloniki serve as a first step on this path, on which we all walk hand in hand.

It is our social responsibility to protect and uphold human rights!
We demand confrontation and justice for genocides!
In unity and hope!