The article highlights the historical significance of the village of Tamalan, a predominantly Greek settlement in the region of Pontus, Turkey, known for its cultural heritage and educational institutions.
The village of Tamalan, officially known by the Greek name, was purely Greek, hosting no Turkish families during its existence. It was located in the province of Cotyora (Ordu) in the Trabzon region of Turkey and had a significant cultural and educational impact. The village was home to a two-story school that educated around 200 students, with notable teachers including Ioannis Yfantidis and Theodoros Triantafilidis.
In addition to its school, Tamalan featured a church dedicated to Saint Constantine, along with a chapel. The spiritual leadership within the village was upheld by two priests, Papas Pavlos and Papas Triantafyllos, who attended to the religious needs of the community. The dedication to education and religion underscored the village's vibrant community life, rooted in Greek traditions despite its geographical context in Turkey.
Furthermore, Tamalan was known for producing around 30 educated men, among whom Nikolaos Zigkiridis and Efstathios Efthimiadis stood out for their contributions. This history reflects the cultural identity and legacy of the Greek population in the area, providing insights into the communal and educational values that thrived even in challenging circumstances, marking Tamalan as an emblem of Greek heritage in Pontus.
