Join Us on November 15: Ahiska (Meskhetian) Turks: The Enduring Struggle of a People in Exile

This year commemorates two important milestones: the 80th anniversary of the mass deportation of the Ahiska Turks from Soviet Georgia by Joseph Stalin and the 35th anniversary of the Fergana pogroms that led to the forced deportation of the Ahiska community from Soviet Uzbekistan. Despite the passing of decades, Ahiska Turks are still unable to return to their homeland, as they face ongoing challenges deeply tied to the region’s geopolitical tensions.

In light of Russia’s current aggression against Ukraine, it has become increasingly important to address the broader risks that Russia poses, not only to Ukraine but to the entire region. Georgia’s recent election has shown the extent of continued Russian influence over Tbilisi and the wider region, something that is echoed in the plight of the Ahiska Turks. The conference aims to highlight the crucial role the United States can play in countering these threats and supporting stability in the region.

The Jamestown Foundation will cohost an all-day conference on the plight of the Ahiska Turks with The Ahiska Turk American Community Center on November 15. The event will be held in person at The Hamilton Hotel’s Hamilton Ballroom at 1001 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Agenda:

10:00 a.m.—Registration

10:30–10:45 a.m.—Introduction and Keynote

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.—Panel 1: Russia’s Unnoticed Minorities

12:00–1:00 p.m.—Lunch Break

1:15–2:30 p.m.—Panel 2: Ahiska Turks in Russia and the U.S. Today (1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.)

2:45–4:15 p.m.—Panel 3: A Troubled History: Deportation, Repatriation, and Discrimination (2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.)

4:15–4:30 p.m.—Concluding Remarks