Thousands of Orthodox Christians gathered for the mass at the ancient monastery early Sunday morning, after the government allowed a church service to be held there once a year in a gradual loosening of restrictions on religious expression. The mass was officiated by İstanbul-based Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew. Pilgrims from Greece, Russia, Georgia and other countries traveled to the monastery, which currently serves as a museum.
The mass passed without incident except for some criticism leveled against the government for allegedly helping the resurgence of “Pontianism” (Pontusçuluk). Pontian Greeks, referred to as Pontic Greeks, Pontians, Greeks of Pontus and Pontus Rumları in Turkish, are an ethnic group consisting of Greeks from the northeastern Black Sea region.
Various activities of Pontian Greeks have long been perceived as a threat since this group was suspected of attempting to set up a state in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, meanwhile, accused those criticizing the government’s decision to allow the religious ceremony and of fueling anti-Turkish activities by Pontian Greeks, of living in fear. Erdoğan said what is important is to succeed in dispelling fear.
Only in the past several years has Turkey been pursuing policies to overcome a decades-old paranoia that the country is surrounded by enemies and that Turks do not have friends other than themselves. Over the years, Turkey has begun to develop friendly relations with all its neighbors, and this is being reflected in the MGSB. The act of Pontianism, associated with the Megali Idea, allegedly supported by Greece, is not regarded as a threat anymore, according to the last amended policy papers in 2005.
This, however, does not mean that the activities of Pontian Greeks will not be closely watched by Turkey. In addition, some circles in Greece have not abandoned their ideal of setting up a Pontic state, in line with the Megali Idea of setting up a Greek state according to the former borders of the Byzantine Empire.
While closely watching the activity of Pontian Greeks Turkey has, in the meantime, opted for a policy of positive struggle against those groups. For example, allowing the mass at Sümela Monastery is a reflection of this policy of a positive struggle.
As a matter of fact, following the mass, the Greek media began running stories that positively portrayed the idea of building a mosque in the capital city of Athens. The more Turkey will overcome its fears the more it will gain self confidence. But it will also be vigilant of anti-Turkish activities.
