A clash between Greece and Turkey is brewing over Greece’s entry for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest following complaints that it alludes to the Pontic Genocide in the early 20th century.
According to reports, the state-run broadcaster, the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), announced that it will review the content of the song “Asteromata,” performed by Klavdia.
According to the same reports, if TRT determines that Asteromata contains references to the Pontic Greek Genocide, it will file an official complaint with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which owns and operates the Eurovision networks.
Why Turkey is upset over Greece’s Eurovision entry
Following her victory in Greece’s national final on January 30, Klavdia—who is of Pontic descent—said that “Asteromata” (which translates to “Starry-eyed”) is not about any specific historical event but is instead inspired by all those forced to flee their homeland due to war and conflict.
The song speaks to loss, longing and the search for a better future in a world plagued by conflict. After her win and speaking to public broadcaster ERT, Klavdia said:
“We always wanted to create a song that I could deeply relate to—something that connects to my roots. The song speaks about displacement and refugee struggles. Our country has experienced this deeply, from our grandparents’ history to the present day, with refugees arriving in Greece seeking a better life.”
She also revealed her connection to the story, recounting how her grandmother, also named Klavdia, shared stories of her family’s forced departure and exile to the Soviet Union. Her parents were born and raised there before returning to Greece in 1991 to start a new life.
22-year-old Klavdia, whose full name is Klavdia Papadopoulou, became known to the public through the talent show “The Voice of Greece,” and released her debut single in 2022 with the title “Lonely Heart.”
“Asteromata,” which has been a long-time favorite, was announced as the winner among a total of twelve songs that competed in the country’s national selection, dubbed ”Ethnikós Telikós 2025.”
Greece recognizes Pontic Genocide
Greece has officially recognized the killings that took place between 1914 and 1923 as genocide since 1994, designating May 19 as an annual day of remembrance.
The Genocide in Pontus claimed 353,000 lives, while even more lost their homes and generations of wealth in the Pontus (Black Sea) region and were then forced to emigrate to other places to begin their lives all over again.
However, Turkey disputes this classification, arguing that these events occurred during a time of war and civil strife rather than as part of a systematic extermination campaign.
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