Abstract

This seminar explores the complex and often painful relationship between Eleftherios Venizelos and Pontic Hellenism, moving beyond both uncritical admiration and simplistic condemnation. It examines whether Venizelos truly abandoned Pontus or whether his policies were shaped by the harsh realities of diplomacy, military limitation, and international politics after the First World War. By tracing his rejection of an independent Pontic republic, his preference for incorporating Trebizond into an Armenian framework, the prioritisation of Smyrna over the Black Sea, and the lasting consequences of the Treaty of Treaty of Lausanne, the lecture considers why so many Pontians came to remember him as the statesman who turned away from them. At its heart, it asks how national ideals collide with political pragmatism, and how history remembers those moments when survival, justice, and statecraft cannot be reconciled.

Bio

Dean Kalimniou is a lawyer, columnist, poet and short story writer within the Greek community. He has released numerous poetry collections in Greek and translated the works of many local Greek authors into English, while also publishing translations of Papadiamantis’ short stories in the critical anthology “The Boundless Garden: Selected Short Stories.” During the last few years he has also released two children's books, the  title “Simela and the Magic Kemenche”, and  'The Librarian from Cappadocia'.George Mpliokas is a Greek-Australian leader, volunteer and advocate with more than 15 years’ experience leading and serving community organisations at local, national and international levels. He is President and Co-Founder of the Greek-Australian Society (GAS), President of Hellenic Village, Chair of Pharos Alliance NSW, Vice-President of the World Confederation of Thessalians and Trustee for the Foundation of Hellenic Studies at the University of New South Wales. He works as Programming & Engagement Advisor to a New South Wales State Member of Parliament.

How to Participate

This is an in-person only event, so please join us at the Greek Centre, on Level M.

See our speaker live, ask questions during the Q&A and hobnob with fellow participants before and after the event.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sponsors

During the course of the year considerable expenses are incurred in staging the seminars. In order to mitigate these costs individuals or organisations are invited to donate against a lecture of their choice.

You too can donate for one or more seminars and (optionally) let your name or brand be known as a patron of culture to our members, visitors and followers, as well as the broader artistic and cultural community of Melbourne. Please email: info@greekcommunity.com.au or call 03 9662 2722.

We thank the following corporate sponsors: