In Turkey, the Pontic dance—a traditional folk dance of the Greek-speaking Pontic people from the Black Sea region—was presented as a Turkish national dance and used to set a new Guinness World Records title. Organizers claimed a world record for the largest simultaneous performance of a traditional dance, with approximately 5,000 participants taking part in the event, according to SKAI.
A Contested Cultural Claim
“It is my great pleasure to officially announce that the Turkish Dance Federation is the new holder of the Guinness World Records title for the largest Turkish traditional dance,” stated a Guinness representative upon certifying the record.
The event has sparked discussion, as Turkish state media and official channels framed the Pontic dance as part of Turkey’s own intangible cultural heritage—despite its deep historical roots among the Pontic Greeks, many of whom were displaced or killed during the early 20th century. Coverage in Turkish outlets amplified this narrative without acknowledging the dance’s distinct ethnic and historical origins.