Eventlist

Lecturers: Dean Kalimniou
Entry: FREE

Synopsis

While modern Greek historiography focuses on the Pontians in the context of their lives in Anatolia and the Genocide, less emphasis is given to the remarkable Pontian communities of Black Sea Russia.

During the Soviet period, those communities were able to develop innovative and progressive communal organisations and also tackle issues of language standardisation and alphabet reform, as well as engaging in the broader social reforms of the Soviet government.

Sadly, during the era of Stalin's purges, they will come to be considered subversive and enemy elements, and tens of thousands were deported or executed.

Examining the context of the deportations and executions, this lecture asks the question: Does what befell the Pontians of the USSR constitute a second genocide?

Bio

Dean Kalimniou is also a well-known poet and short story writer within the Greek community. As a journalist he is popular within the Greek community of Australia through his column in the Melbourne Greek newspaper Neos Kosmos, entitled Diatribe, which has been running since 2001.

He has published six poetry collections and has also translated numerous works of prominent Greek-Australian authors from Greek into English. In November 2007, Dean Kalimniou was awarded a Government of Victoria Award for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs.

Sponsors

We'd like to thank the following donors: Roma Siachos in memory of Olga Siranidou.

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