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Workshop on "The Past and Present of the Pontus Issue" Held at Our University
The workshop on "The Past and Present of the Pontus Issue" was organized in collaboration with our university's Graduate School of Black Sea Studies and the Departments of International Relations and History. The workshop took place at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Culture and Congress Center on December 13, 2023, with various distinguished participants, members of the press, academic and administrative staff, and students.
The opening speech of the workshop, bringing together expert academicians and researchers in the field, was delivered by Prof. Dr. İsmail KÖSE, the director of KTU Graduate School of Black Sea Studies. He emphasized the importance of scientific research in preventing the distortion of historical realities and the spread of untruths, stating, "It should be remembered that if we do not speak, discuss, or address the issue, Pontus associations, numbering more than 600 worldwide, will continue to tarnish Türkiye by taking advantage of the power of propaganda based on their own narratives. Considering all these aspects, our university collaborates with public institutions to explain historical events with a scientific methodology, preventing the impact of disinformation and ensuring that the incorrect perception does not take root or become commonplace."
Following Prof. Dr. İsmail KÖSE's speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, the honorary chairman of the workshop, addressed the attendees. He stated, "Allegations of the so-called Pontus genocide are based on developments in Anatolia after World War I. Therefore, objectively researching what happened during this period and presenting the issue in all its dimensions is the only correct way to unravel these claims. Historians should be the ones to accomplish this task. However, discussions around the topic are often conducted more on a political basis. Hence, it should not be surprising that allegations of Pontus genocide are brought to the forefront, especially during periods of tension in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The biggest obstacle to fully understanding the issue lies in this flawed approach. This insincere attitude can be clarified by questioning the real goals and expectations behind Greece's claims on genocide. It is evident that the accusation of Pontus genocide against Türkiye mostly serves political purposes. To illuminate the issue in its entirety and truly clarify it, it is essential to place all discussions on a scientific level."
Governor Aziz YILDIRIM, in his speech, expressed his belief that the concepts of the Turkish nation and genocide are the last concepts that will come together. He highlighted the peaceful coexistence of minority groups, living freely under the umbrella of the Turkish nation, and cautioned against attempts to condemn Türkiye in international circles by bringing up baseless claims such as Pontus and Armenian issues or genocide.
The workshop continued with presentations and discussions, covering topics such as the conceptual foundation of the Pontus Issue, historical debates surrounding Pontus dominance in the Black Sea region, pre-World War I Pontic organization efforts, the effects of Russian occupation on Pontic activities in Trabzon, the origin of the Pontos name and geography, debates about the Komnenos' dominance in the Black Sea, and pre-World War I Pontic organizational attempts. The afternoon session delved into the Pontus Issue during the National Struggle Period and afterward examined Pontic activities during the National Struggle and Republic periods, political uses of Pontus propaganda, the global evolution of the issue, and Greece's perspective. The workshop concluded with a workshop session for a general assessment.
14 December 2023
Our university has been honored with the "Entrepreneur-Friendly University" Award at the Startup Investment Summit 2024.
09 December 2024
Dr. Hulusi Akar, Chair of the TBMM National Defense Committee, delivered a talk on "Türkiye's Defense and Security Issues" at our university.
19 November 2024
A conference titled "The TRNC from Independence to Today" was organized at our university to mark the 41st anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
19 November 2024
The launch event, held at the Reşit Tarakçıoğlu Hall in the Atatürk Cultural Center, marks the first such project in Türkiye, with KTU chosen as the pilot university.
08 November 2024
The 6th International Environmental Chemistry Congress was organized in collaboration with our university, the University of Valencia, and Sivas Cumhuriyet University.
08 November 2024
The 9th International Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, hosted by our university, took place from October 28 to 31, 2024, at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Cultural and Congress Cen
31 October 2024
Prof. Dr. İzzet KARAKURT, a faculty member in our Department of Mining Engineering, has been awarded the 2023 Science Award.
31 October 2024
Awards were presented at the 9th International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF'24) organized by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office in a ceremony held during the TEKNOFEST.
31 October 2024
The Faculty of Engineering at our university held its 3rd annual ?Student Meeting? event, themed ?Future Engineers Come Together.?
31 October 2024
Various events were held at our university from October 14 to 16, 2024, organized by the Office of Exchange Programs.
21 October 2024
Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, who was reappointed as the Rector of our university by our President on September 21, 2024, received his appointment certificate at a ceremony held by the CoHE.
21 October 2024
Our university conducted an "Earthquake Test on Next-Generation Domestic Wooden Structures." No damage was observed in the wooden building subjected to simulated earthquake tremors.
21 October 2024
Our university made a significant impact at TEKNOFEST by winning numerous awards.
07 October 2024
At our university (KTU), a seminar titled "Türkiye's Progress in the Aviation Sector" was presented by Aeronautical Engineer Can Erel.
07 October 2024