Türkiye tells Greece to stop ‘distorting history’ over Pontus

Türkiye has strongly rejected Greek events and statements surrounding the Pontus claims, urging Athens to refrain from “distorting history” and instead pursue constructive bilateral relations. In a statement on Tuesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry noted that May 19 — the day in 1919 when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk arrived in Samsun to launch the Turkish War of Independence — is celebrated across Türkiye as the Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth, and Sports Day.

Historical allegations and counter-claims

The ministry accused Greece of advancing “groundless allegations” through legislation adopted in 1994 over the Pontus issue and noted that such narratives are unfortunately being taught in Greek schools. “Greece should cease exploiting history for political concerns,” the statement read. Ankara argued that Athens is trying to “cover up” its historical defeat and alleged atrocities committed during its military campaign in Anatolia. The ministry cited “war crimes and atrocities” by the Greek army, documented in Allied investigation commission reports and Article 59 of the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne.

Call for peace and cooperation

Türkiye also reminded Greece of historical events including the Tripolitsa massacre of 1821 and violence following the occupation of Izmir on May 15, 1919. “We invite Greece, instead of distorting facts and deriving hostility from history, to take an attitude that will develop our bilateral relations in peace and cooperation,” the ministry said. The exchange comes amid broader regional tensions, with Türkiye and Greece remaining at odds over Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean issues, though both are NATO allies. Ankara has consistently called for dialogue and confidence-building measures.