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A Picture of Prosperity: The Affluent Greeks of Pontus's Trabzon - GreekReporter.com

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 6:20 GMT by Greek Reporter
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Affluent Greeks of Pontus Reclaim Their Legacy in Trabzon

The modern Greek diaspora is usually imagined as living in the bustling streets of Athens or the serene islands of the Aegean. Yet a quiet yet vibrant community of affluent Pontian Greeks has carved out a distinctive presence in the eastern Turkish city of Trabzon, a city that sits on the Black Sea’s coast. According to a recent Greek‑Reporter feature, this community not only maintains its cultural heritage but also has become a prominent player in local commerce, philanthropy, and heritage‑preservation efforts.

A Brief History of Pontic Greeks in Trabzon

Trabzon—historically known as Trebizond—was a major port and cultural center of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire. For centuries, a sizable population of Pontic Greeks lived there, running businesses, running schools, and building churches. The population was drastically reduced in the early 20th century due to the 1923 population exchange and the tragic events of the Pontic genocide. Those who survived were forced to flee or were deported to remote parts of Anatolia or to the Soviet Union. Many of them carried with them their language, traditions, and, in some cases, wealth.

In the decades that followed, a handful of Pontic families were able to rebuild their fortunes. The article notes that the rise of Turkey’s free‑market policies in the 1980s and the opening of trade with the European Union created new opportunities. Several Pontic entrepreneurs began trading in timber, fishing, and textiles—sectors that are vital to Trabzon’s economy. Today, a network of family‑owned businesses, ranging from luxury hotels to high‑tech start‑ups, can be traced back to those original Greek merchants.

The Current Landscape of Wealth

The Greek‑Reporter piece highlights several key figures who are now among Trabzon’s most prominent business magnates. One example is the Kafkas family, whose roots lie in the 19th‑century Greek merchant class. After moving to Istanbul in the 1950s, the family’s son, Nektarios Kafkas, returned to his hometown in the early 2000s to launch a series of boutique hotels that have earned international acclaim. The hotels, which boast 300 rooms and incorporate traditional Pontian architecture, have become a cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions and classical music concerts that feature Greek and Turkish musicians alike.

Another family, the Çiğlioglu‑Hussein lineage, is noted for its investments in the fishing industry. Through a joint venture with Turkish partners, the family has modernized the local fleet and opened a chain of seafood restaurants that emphasize sustainable practices. Their flagship restaurant, “Eagle’s Nest,” draws both locals and international tourists, and has been featured in culinary magazines such as Travel + Leisure.

The article emphasizes that these enterprises are not merely commercial successes; they also serve as platforms for cultural exchange. The businesses have established scholarships for Pontian students, funded restorations of the ancient Greek churches that once dotted the city’s outskirts, and sponsored cultural festivals that celebrate the city’s dual heritage.

Restitution, Recognition, and the Role of the Greek State

A central theme of the article is the ongoing dialogue between Turkish and Greek officials over the restitution of property and recognition of Pontian heritage. While the 1923 exchange settled most demographic issues, a number of properties remain in dispute. The Greek‑Reporter piece quotes a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece who stated that “the Greek state is prepared to engage in constructive negotiations to ensure that the cultural patrimony of Pontian Greeks is respected and that any unresolved property claims are handled fairly.”

These discussions were intensified by a recent resolution passed by the Greek Parliament, which calls for a joint historical commission to investigate the fate of Pontian properties in Turkey. The article notes that several Pontian Greek families in Trabzon have joined the initiative, offering documents that trace property ownership back to the 19th century. While the Turkish government has been cautious, it has publicly welcomed “mutual understanding” as a path toward resolving long‑standing grievances.

Cultural Revival and the Preservation of Language

In addition to economic pursuits, the article underscores a renaissance of Pontian culture in Trabzon. A consortium of Greek schools, led by the Greek School of Trabzon, offers language courses and cultural workshops for both Pontian and non‑Pontian residents. The consortium’s curriculum includes a segment on Pontic Greek—an endangered dialect that has survived primarily through oral tradition.

The Greek‑Reporter piece also details the restoration of the historic Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius, a building that dates back to the 18th century. The church’s interior has been meticulously restored using archival photographs and the original 19th‑century blueprints. The restoration project was funded through a partnership between the Pontian families, the Greek Ministry of Culture, and a private charitable foundation based in New York.

A local festival, “Pontian Heritage Days,” is held annually in August. It features traditional music, dance, and culinary demonstrations. According to the article, the festival attracts over 10,000 visitors, including Turkish residents who often express newfound appreciation for the city’s Greek roots.

Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities

The article concludes by painting a nuanced picture of the future. While the affluent Pontian Greeks in Trabzon have carved a niche for themselves, they still face legal, social, and bureaucratic obstacles. The article references an upcoming policy roundtable in Ankara where Turkish lawmakers and Pontian representatives will discuss property restitution, minority rights, and cultural integration. The Greek‑Reporter piece reports that many participants are optimistic, noting that the economic benefits of cooperation could pave the way for broader reconciliation.

In addition to formal political engagement, the article highlights grassroots initiatives that aim to bridge gaps. For example, the “Bridge of Words” program pairs Greek-speaking volunteers with Turkish youth in Trabzon to teach each other their respective languages. Such efforts underscore the possibility that shared economic prosperity can be a catalyst for deeper cultural understanding.

In Summary

The Greek‑Reporter article paints a portrait of a community that has navigated the turbulent waters of 20th‑century history to become a modern, affluent presence in Trabzon. Their businesses provide economic vitality, while their cultural and philanthropic endeavors foster a renewed appreciation for the city’s Pontian past. As negotiations over property restitution and cultural recognition continue, the affluent Pontian Greeks of Trabzon stand as both a reminder of the past and a bridge to a more integrated future.