Conference under the patronage of Bartholomew sparks controversy in Türkiye
A conference set to take place under the patronage of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Athens has stirred significant debate in Türkiye, with headlines such as "Bartholomew Again, More Division" appearing in Turkish media.
The “Pan-Imroz Conference,” organized by the Great Hellenic Foundation and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, is scheduled to take place in Athens from September 24 to 28, 2024. The conference's promotional materials have caused a stir by referring to Bartholomew, who is under the jurisdiction of the Fatih District in Istanbul, as the "Ecumenical Patriarch," a title that is controversial in the context of the Lausanne Treaty.
The conference will focus on topics such as increasing the Greek population on Gökçeada (Imroz), providing Greek language education and scholarships for children of Greek origin on the island, and the restructuring of Gökçeada and Bozcaada. The content of the conference has sparked reactions in Türkiye, with retired Admiral Cihat Yaycı describing it as part of a project to annex Gökçeada to Greece.
Allegations of Terrorism
The conference brochure includes harsh accusations against Türkiye, claiming that since 1964, Türkiye has created a "terror environment" against Greek communities on Gökçeada and Bozcaada, leading to the evacuation of villages and incidents of arrest, looting, violence, and murder targeting Greeks. The organizers suggest that hope has been revived through the efforts of Bartholomew and political changes in Türkiye. The conference will focus on three main themes, with an emphasis on the education and employment of young people as a driving force for the rebirth and economic development of Gökçeada and Bozcaada.
Retired Admiral Cihat Yaycı has alerted the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, as well as the Istanbul Governor and prosecutors, about the conference, emphasizing that it poses a serious threat to Türkiye. Yaycı warned that plans to provide scholarships to young people from Gökçeada and increase the Greek population on the island are particularly dangerous.
In an interview on the YouTube channel Ezber Bozan TV, Yaycı reiterated his concerns, saying, “This conference, organized by the Hellenic Foundation, is under the patronage of Bartholomew, who is affiliated with the Fatih District in Istanbul. The conference’s name, Pan-Imroz, essentially refers to the unification of Gökçeada with Greece. Gökçeada and Bozcaada are both featured in the conference’s Greek-language promotion.”
"Gökçeada is Under Great Threat"
Yaycı stressed that the conference could lead to significant changes in the education of Greek citizens on the island, drawing parallels to the scholarships provided by Greek foundations to young people in Trabzon under the guise of Pontic heritage. He urged caution, stating that Gökçeada is facing a significant threat.
Yaycı also highlighted the challenges faced by public servants on Gökçeada, noting that high rent prices and inadequate housing conditions make it difficult for them to live on the island. He called for increased state presence and infrastructure improvements to prevent the island from becoming a target for foreign influence.
"A Major Plot is Unfolding on Gökçeada"
Yaycı claimed that efforts are underway to transform Gökçeada’s landscape by falsely designating various sites as churches or cultural heritage, thus altering the island’s identity. He warned that these actions are part of a broader strategy to undermine Türkiye's sovereignty over the island.
Yaycı concluded by stressing the importance of preventing demographic changes on Gökçeada and safeguarding the island’s economy from falling under Greek control. He urged Turkish authorities and politicians to be vigilant in protecting the country's cultural and historical heritage, warning that failure to do so could have serious consequences for Gökçeada's future.
