TRT to review Greece's Eurovision song
Greece has determined the artist who will represent the country at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Artist Klavdia, who is of Pontic Greek descent, will participate in the contest with her song "Asteromáta." However, it has been alleged that the lyrics of the song contain references to claims of a Pontic genocide. Following these allegations, it was stated that TRT would initiate a review regarding the song.
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The representatives of countries for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Switzerland this year, have begun to be finalized. Klavdia will represent Greece with her song "Asteromáta," which means "Starry Eyes." However, the lyrics of the song could lead to diplomatic tension between Turkey and Greece.
It has been reported that TRT will conduct a review of the song's content.
The "Eurovision Türkiye" account, which operates on the social media platform X, announced that they had contacted TRT following reports in the Greek press and on social media claiming that the song was inspired by claims of a Pontic genocide and Pontic refugees.
The account, recalling the statement Klavdia made to the Greek state broadcaster ERT, stated that as a result of the review, TRT would "convey its discomfort at the highest level."
Our announcement regarding Greece's Eurovision song. pic.twitter.com/tUDdBWyldK
— Eurovision Türkiye (@Eurovisn_Turkey) February 4, 2025
22-year-old Klavdia stated the following on ERT:
"My family is of Pontic origin, they are refugees, and that is why I connect with the song. My grandmother told me their stories, talked about her family, and recounted how they were exiled to the Soviet Union during that period. My family was born there, grew up there until a certain age, and returned to Greece in 1991 to start a new life here."
The lyrics of the song are as follows:
“Sweet mother, do not cry for me
Even if they wear black
I tore my body apart
Flames cannot defeat it
Swallows of fire
Even if it crosses the seas
I take root for it
My little star-eyed one
Return to kiss you
In holy tears
To wipe my lips
My little star-eyed one
It is my turn to catch you
My forgotten wings
I can barely rest
Oh my star, my treasure
Sweet mother, do not cry for me
My life is a boat
That seeks a return
Flutter my dress
My little star-eyed one
It is my turn to catch you
My forgotten wings
I can barely rest
Oh my star, my treasure
Oh my star, my treasure
my star”
CLAIMS OF PONTIC GENOCIDE
In the events that Greece considers the Greek Genocide or the Pontic Greek Genocide, some of the Greeks in the Black Sea region known as "Pontus" were deported within the framework of the policy implemented by the Ottoman Empire during and after World War I. Some Greeks fled to Russia.
At the end of the War of Independence, with the population exchange between Turkey and Greece in 1923, the Anatolian Greeks were sent to Greece.
TRT is expected to make an official statement regarding whether the song by Greece's Eurovision representative Klavdia contains references to these events.