The "From Occupation to Liberation: Trabzon" panel, organized by our university’s Institute of Black Sea Studies, was held at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Culture and Congress Center. The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. İsmail KÖSE, Director of the Institute, and featured Lecturer Veysel USTA, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Volkan AKSOY, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yüksel KÜÇÜKER as speakers. 

The panel commenced with a moment of silence and the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem. Experts in the field extensively discussed Trabzon’s occupation during World War I, the issue of migration caused by the occupation, the political ambitions and propaganda of the Rum population, the city’s process of liberation from Russian occupation, and the difficulties faced by returning migrants as well as the harsh conditions in which the city found itself. Additionally, the panel shed light on the negative impacts of the occupation and migration that occurred more than a century ago in the Eastern Black Sea region, with a particular focus on Trabzon. 

 "The Concepts of Occupation and Liberation Tell Us Much More than What We See" 

Delivering the opening speech, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Bünyamin ER addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of historical concepts: "Concepts play a crucial role in the formation of civilizations and cultures. The terms 'occupation' and 'liberation' tell us much more than what we can see on the surface. Perhaps our historical narratives, education, and teachings should be framed within these concepts. It is not just about material gains or losses—many different sociological and identity-related phenomena emerge. I believe that such programs should be approached from this perspective." 

 Insightful Presentations on Trabzon’s Occupation and Liberation 

During the program, the following presentations were delivered: 

- Lecturer Veysel USTA – Trabzon Under Russian Occupation (1916–1918) 

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Volkan AKSOY – The Return of Migrants to Trabzon After Liberation and the City 

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yüksel KÜÇÜKER – Pontic Activities During the Occupation of Trabzon 

The panelists elaborated on the harrowing period that began on April 18, 1916, when Trabzon fell under Russian occupation, leading to days of suffering, captivity, and forced migration. Discussions also highlighted the difficulties endured by Muslims who could not flee and remained in the city and its villages, the mistreatment they faced, and the impact of the Bolshevik Revolution, which led to the disintegration of the Russian army and its withdrawal from the Black Sea region by February 1918. The session further reflected on the experiences of Trabzon’s people as they finally regained their freedom after nearly two years of occupation and exile.  On the 107th anniversary of Trabzon’s liberation, the panel paid tribute to the brave soldiers who fought heroically and the fallen martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the city's freedom. The program concluded with a commemorative group photo.

 

Önceki Sonraki