History of Pontus
Pontic Greek history is deeply intertwined with the broader history of the Greek diaspora, particularly in the region surrounding the Black Sea, known as Pontus. Here is a brief overview of their history:
7th century BC
Ancient Greek Presence in Pontus: The Greeks have had a presence around the Black Sea, including in the Pontus region (modern-day northeastern Turkey), since at least the 7th century BCE. This period saw the establishment of Greek colonies along the coast, such as Sinop, Trapezus (Trebizond), and Amisus (Samsun), which became significant centers of Greek culture and influence. These cities flourished as part of the larger Greek world and interacted with local Anatolian cultures. Kingdom of Pontus: The area was eventually united under the Kingdom of Pontus in the 4th century BCE, a Hellenistic state that became prominent under King Mithridates VI. Mithridates is particularly famous for his wars against Rome, and his kingdom's existence lasted until it was absorbed by the Romans in the 1st century BCE. Despite the loss of political independence, Greek culture and language continued to thrive in the region.
63BC-1453AD
Roman and Byzantine Rule: After the annexation of Pontus by the Romans, the area remained a part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire. Under these empires, the region continued to maintain its Greek identity, with Greek being the dominant language and Eastern Orthodox Christianity becoming firmly established. The Byzantine Empire's Influence: Over the centuries, the Pontic region remained an important part of the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine culture and Orthodox Christianity were central to the identity of the Greeks living there. The area was also influenced by the rise and fall of various neighboring empires and states, including the Seljuks and the Ottoman Empire.
1024AD-1461AD
The Rise of the Empire of Trebizond: In the 13th century, after the fall of Constantinople to the Fourth Crusade (1204), a Byzantine Greek royal family founded the Empire of Trebizond, which lasted until 1461. This empire controlled much of the Pontic region, with its capital at Trebizond (modern Trabzon, Turkey). The Empire of Trebizond is often seen as a continuation of Byzantine Greek culture and had a profound impact on the Greek population of Pontus. Fall to the Ottomans: The Empire of Trebizond fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1461. This marked the beginning of Ottoman rule over the Pontic Greeks.
1453AD
Ottoman Domination: Under Ottoman rule, the Greeks in Pontus remained a significant ethnic group. The region's Greek-speaking population continued to practice Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and many Pontic Greeks served in the Ottoman bureaucracy and military. However, as with other parts of the Ottoman Empire, there were periods of tension, particularly during the 19th century when nationalism was rising across Europe. Rebellions and Tensions: The 19th century saw a series of uprisings and revolts by the Greek population in the Pontus region, influenced by the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830) and growing resentment toward Ottoman rule. Despite these tensions, the Ottomans managed to suppress the revolts, and the Greek population in Pontus faced a mix of privileges and restrictions under the Ottomans.
1914-1923
World War I and the Greek Genocide: During and after World War I, the Pontic Greeks, along with other Christian minorities, were targeted by the Ottoman government. The years 1914-1923 saw the systematic deportation, massacres, and forced marches of hundreds of thousands of Pontic Greeks in what is known as the Pontic Greek Genocide, as part of the larger Greek, Assyrian, and Armenian genocides. The events led to the near eradication of the Greek population in the region. Population Exchange: In 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne between Greece and Turkey resulted in the forced population exchange, in which the remaining Pontic Greeks in Turkey were exchanged with Turks living in Greece. This further displaced the Greek population from the region and led to the establishment of Pontic Greek communities in Greece, primarily in areas such as Thessaloniki and the northern regions of Macedonia.
21st Century
Today, the descendants of the Pontic Greeks are found in various countries, with large populations in Greece and the diaspora in countries such as Russia, the United States, and Australia. The Pontic Greeks have maintained their distinct cultural identity, including their unique dialect of the Greek language, their music, dances, and customs. In Greece, the history of the Pontic Greeks is celebrated and remembered, with efforts to preserve their heritage through cultural organizations, festivals, and academic research. The memory of the genocide and forced population exchange remains an important part of their collective identity.
Overall, the history of the Pontic Greeks is one of resilience, survival, and the preservation of a distinct cultural identity despite centuries of foreign domination and adversity.