Exploring Belonging and Identity Among Pontic Greek Millennials and Gen Z in Northern Greece

Abstract

This study delves into how younger Pontians in Northern Greece perceive, negotiate, and express their heritage within a world that often favors fluid, hybrid identities over fixed ethnic traditions. What began as a personal exploration of the community’s fervent commitment to cultural pride grew into an academic inquiry into the resilience of identity transmission in between generations. While the effort to maintain cultural continuity is a common thread in many ethnic groups, the depth of commitment within the Pontic community is especially compelling, symbolized by the expression, “Πόντιος κι μ’ έναν ομμάτ’” ("Proud to be Pontic, even with only one eye"). This saying captures an enduring determination to uphold Pontic identity, embodying a pride forged through displacement, adversity, and loss, yet strengthened by these very challenges.

Through interviews and discourse analysis, I examine how young Pontians interact with inherited values, beliefs, and cultural practices, balancing respect for tradition with adaptation to contemporary identity frameworks. For some, their heritage is a potent link to the resilience and strength of their ancestors; for others, it is a complex negotiation between traditional and modern identities. My findings highlight the ways in which these younger generations either reaffirm or reimagine Pontic identity, shaping their cultural legacy in a manner that aligns with their experiences within a globalized world.

This thesis contributes to the broader discourse on cultural identity, particularly in communities that maintain a strong sense of belonging without a physical homeland. By exploring the unique ways in which Pontians assert and sustain their heritage, my research underscores the intricate balance between preserving ancestral pride and embracing new social identities. The Pontic community’s commitment to cultural endurance offers a powerful example of how identities can be both resilient and dynamic, continuously redefined by each generation yet tethered to a shared past.