The historic 18th-century Greek cemetery on Gökçeada (Imbros), adjacent to the Church of Saint Barbara, is under threat from plans to develop it into a hotel. Turkish journalist Uzay Bulut exposed this alarming development, which has been condemned by Metropolitan Kyrillos as an “act of disrespect.” This situation highlights the ongoing pressures on the remaining Greek community, despite protections promised under the Treaty of Lausanne.

The cemetery remains active, with the local Greek community regularly visiting to light candles and honour their ancestors. The proposed transformation has sparked widespread outrage, as many view it as a desecration of a sacred religious and cultural heritage site.

Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos issued a strong statement demanding:

  • The immediate cancellation of the leasing process
  • The suspension of all ongoing construction
  • The prohibition of any new buildings within the cemetery area
  • The protection of existing olive trees from being cut down

He emphasized that the small Greek community only wishes to live in peace and have their religious sites respected. Under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, the islands of Imbros and Tenedos were supposed to enjoy special autonomous status, with protections for their Greek populations. However, successive Turkish governments have repeatedly failed to honour these provisions, leading to the forced displacement of the indigenous Greek population.

The islands, once overwhelmingly Greek, have been largely resettled by Turkish migrants, leaving only a small, predominantly elderly Greek community. This community struggles to preserve its cultural and religious identity. The current threat to the centuries-old cemetery is seen as the latest chapter in the long-standing pressure on the island's remaining Greek heritage.