“Greek atrocities in Western Anatolia” panel held in Ankara
A panel titled “Greek Atrocities in Western Anatolia” was organized by the Presidency of the Turkish Historical Society (TTK) with the contribution of Ankara University.
Making the opening speech of the panel at Ankara University Faculty of Language, History and Geography (DTCF) Farabi Hall, TTK President Prof. Dr. Birol Çetin said that as an institution, they researched Turkish history in all its aspects, but from time to time they were faced with unfounded allegations.
“In recent years, we had to respond to the unfounded allegations of Greece. Our silence was misunderstood. We are a great state. All that has been done is recorded. We must tell about the crimes committed.” said.
“When we look at it historically, we have never been victimized, no one can victimize us.” Using his statements, Çetin said that messages were sent to Greece in various ways, but Greece continued to accuse.
Emphasizing that Greece is not on good terms with its neighbors, Çetin said that this country should read its history and understand the value of Türkiye’s neighbourhood.
– “Our silence led to the tendency to justify the other side”
Ankara University DTCF Dean Prof. Dr. Levent Kayapınar stated in his speech that those who invaded the homeland began to present themselves as persecuted people.
Explaining that it is very important to announce such events to large masses using scientific sources, Kayapınar said, “This maturity of ours has almost started to turn against us. Over the years, our silence has led to the tendency to justify the other side.” he said.
After the opening speeches, the documentary “Silent Witnesses of the Greek Atrocities” prepared by the TTK was watched, and then the panel started.
In the panel moderated by Kayapınar, Prof. Dr. Temuçin Faik Ertan, Prof. Dr. Hikmet Öksüz, Assoc. Dr. Esra Özsüer and Assoc. Dr. Gülsüm Polat also made a presentation.
Mustafa Şentop, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, stated the following in his message to the panel:
“I pray to God Almighty that the Greek Atrocities in Western Anatolia panel will open new horizons for both our country and the academic world and lead to goodness. I would like to express that we will forever protect the cherished memory of those who suffered the Greek persecution in their homeland and those who fought against it at the cost of their lives.”
As part of the panel, an exhibition called Greek Atrocities in Western Anatolia was also opened.
