The Ahıska Turks are organizing commemorative events to honor the 80th anniversary of their forced exile from their homeland. These events pay tribute to those who lost their lives during this tragic episode in Ahıska Turkish history and serve as a reminder of the hardships faced by the community.
The Exile and Suffering
In 1944, the Soviet Union enforced a mandatory relocation, causing the Ahıska Turks to leave their homes. Many lives were lost during this forced movement, and those who survived had to start anew in unfamiliar territories. The community was scattered across various regions, struggling to rebuild their lives.
Commemorative Program
The events are designed to remember and honor the Ahıska Turks who perished due to the exile, ensuring that this traumatic part of history is not forgotten. Prayers are conducted during the commemorations, with participants expressing that they have not forgotten their ancestral kin who were killed or exiled. These memorial events serve both as a tribute to history and as a poignant reminder for the future.