The 4th Greek-Turkish Media Academy Forum, titled “The Role of Sports and Culture in Promoting Social Interaction in Greek–Turkish Relations,” took center stage at the Acropolis Museum in Athens on December 2, 2024. Organized by the Institute of Global Affairs (IGA) at The American College of Greece in collaboration with the Türkiye Research Foundation (TAV), the event reaffirmed the potential of cultural and sports diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
Building on the success of previous forums held in Istanbul and Athens, the 2024 edition explored how sports and culture can serve as bridges, fostering dialogue and collaboration. The event brought together a dynamic mix of academics, athletes, and cultural figures to highlight shared values and chart a path toward deeper bilateral relations.
Spotlight on Shared Values in Culture
The cultural dialogue featured impactful discussions, with keynote addresses by figures such as Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, who emphasized reimagining cultural cooperation in modern terms. Minister Mendoni called for leveraging cultural heritage as a mutual value, free from political undercurrents, and fostering a reinvigorated partnership rooted in respect.
Adding depth to the conversation, Nikolaos Stampolidis, Director of the Acropolis Museum, advocated for consistency in historical documentation standards across museums, underscoring the importance of presenting a unified historical narrative. The event also featured remarks by Zeynep Boz, Turkey’s Culture Ministry, who reiterated Turkey’s support for Greece’s bid for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, signaling a gesture of goodwill.
Sports as a Unifying Force
The sports panel shone a spotlight on the unifying power of athletics, with Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos basketball coach, sharing heartfelt experiences of Greek hospitality. From his warm reception in Athens to a congratulatory call from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis following Panathinaikos’ EuroLeague win, Ataman exemplified how sports can transcend borders.
Greek soccer star Tasos Bakasetas echoed these sentiments, recounting the affection he received during his time playing for Turkish clubs. Similarly, Adnan Polat, Chairman of the Turkish-Greek Business Council, and Giorgos Tzavellas, Sporting Director of Panathinaikos FC, stressed the need for grassroots initiatives to strengthen ties and foster personal connections between the two nations.
Looking Ahead
This year’s forum reaffirmed the power of cultural and sports diplomacy to break down barriers, nurture goodwill, and foster collaborative opportunities. By spotlighting shared stories and experiences, the event laid the foundation for sustained dialogue and deeper bilateral understanding between Greece and Turkey.