Costa Vertzayias’ new book officially launched to mark anniversary of Asia Minor Catastrophe

·

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney held the official launch of Costa Vertzayias’ new book, 1922- Dispossessed and Uprooted, on Sunday, May 29 at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.

The book launch, which was under the auspices of the Greek Festival of Sydney, was held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe this year.

On the night, formalities commenced with a welcome by the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), Harry Danalis. This was followed by two short videos depicting Smyrna before and after its destruction.

Guest speaker, Associate Professor Nicholas Doumanis from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), then reviewed the book saying: “it was a wonderful source of information that he wished he could have been able to reference when researching for his books.”

Mr Doumanis then introduced the author, Costa Vertzayias, who spoke about the causes of the Asia Minor Catastrophe.

Mr Vertzayias enthralled the audience with details about little-known topics such as the secret agreements to partition the Ottoman Empire, the effects of the Russian Revolution, the duplicitous role of Greece’s allies, the betrayal on the Smyrna waterfront and western complicity in the denial of the Christian Genocides – at which time a further video was shown.

The author then stressed the importance of applying pressure on the Australian Government to recognise the Genocides.  

The book launch concluded with a Q&A session with Mr Vertzayias and audience members, moderated by Hellen Dimas. Lyceum President, Liana Vertzayias, then gave a vote of thanks, before attendees enjoyed rembetika songs and refreshments.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme.

You May Also Like

Greece to reclaim ancient horse from US after court ruling

The Greek Ministry of Culture will seek the repatriation of a 2,700-year-old bronze horse statuette from the US after it won a court ruling over Sotheby’s.

Leonidas Vlahakis’ Antipodes: Confessions of a festival fan

Melbourne's most loved Antipodes Festival is just around the corner, and anticipation is building for a celebration of all things Greek.

Postal voting and Greek economy: Hot topics at breakfast event with Greek Minister

Business Sydney held exclusive breakfast to discuss the recent reform of postal voting for Greeks abroad and the economic outlook in Greece.