On 14 November 1944, approximately one hundred thousand Ahıska Turks were uprooted from their ancestral homeland in the Ahıska region of Georgia, where they had lived for centuries, and were deported to distant parts of the Soviet Union.

During the deportation, thousands of Ahıska Turks lost their lives, while the survivors, despite all hardships, succeeded in preserving their identity, language, religion, and traditions, and in transmitting them to future generations.

On the occasion of the 81st anniversary of this deportation, we solemnly recall this profound tragedy and once again commemorate, with respect and mercy, our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in exile.

We express our earnest hope for the successful completion of the process of the Ahıska Turks’ return to their homeland.