Officials, local authorities, and members of the Armenian community honoured the victims of the Armenian Genocide during a central commemorative event marking its 111th anniversary in Thessaloniki.
The event, organised by the Region of Central Macedonia in cooperation with the Armenian National Committee of Greece, took place at the Officers’ Club of the Thessaloniki Garrison.
Deputy Interior Minister Konstantinos Gkioulekas highlighted the genocides of the previous century, stressing their interconnected nature and the need for international recognition. He stated that Armenians and Greeks share deep historical ties, noting that the Armenian Genocide was followed by the genocides of the Pontic Greeks and Asia Minor Hellenism. He added that such crimes cannot be erased or forgotten and called on Turkey to recognise them and issue an apology.
Regional Governor Athina Aidona described 24 April 1915 as one of the darkest days in history, noting that 1.5 million Armenians were exterminated. She affirmed that the region would continue supporting efforts for full recognition and justice.
Mayor Stelios Angeloudis emphasised the historical importance of the anniversary, describing the Armenian Genocide as the first genocide of the 20th century and part of a broader plan targeting Christian populations of the Ottoman Empire. He said Thessaloniki maintains a strong sense of respect for this memory, reinforced by its active Armenian community.
Tigran Bletzian, representing the Armenian National Committee, stated that the day remained both a tragedy and a source of strength in the ongoing struggle for truth and recognition, particularly amid a global crisis of values.
Christos Galilaeas, President of the Armenian Community of Thessaloniki, said the day carries deep emotional weight for Armenians worldwide, reaffirming their commitment to achieving justice and universal recognition of what he described as a crime against humanity.
Professor Georgios Filis, the keynote speaker, stressed that the “Eastern Question” remains unresolved. He argued that the genocide was driven by nationalism, pan-Turkism, and Ottomanism, and warned that similar ideological frameworks continue to influence regional dynamics today.
Following the event, participants held a silent march and laid wreaths at the monument of the Supreme Military Command of Epirus and Macedonia.
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Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/04/20/thessaloniki-honours-victims-of-armenian-genocide-anniversary/