Greek Community of Melbourne schools mark 50th anniversary of Cyprus invasion

·

The Greek Language and Culture Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne organised, in July, a series of school activities of remembrance and honor to mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

On July 20, 1974, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus and occupied 37% of the island, leading to 175,000 Greek Cypriots becoming refugees. Thousands lost their lives, and to this day, over 1,000 individuals remain missing.

GCM schools hold activities marking 50th anniversary of Cyprus invasion

Key participants in the school activities were grandparents of the students who experienced the tragic events of the invasion. With tears of nostalgia, they spoke of their Cyprus—the courtyards with jasmine and lemon trees, the churches, town squares, and festivals. They shared memories of their own grandparents, the hardships of displacement, and their journey to Australia.

GCM schools hold activities marking 50th anniversary of Cyprus invasion
GCM schools hold activities marking 50th anniversary of Cyprus invasion

The students were profoundly affected by the personal stories, captivated by their straightforward yet vivid narratives, the lovely Cypriot dialect, and the island’s rich cultural heritage and history.

The children presented their own creations about Cyprus, performed traditional songs, and danced Cypriot dances. The school halls were filled with images, music, and aromas, offering an immersive and enlightening history lesson for all.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Melina Aslanidou wants to bring ‘a celebration of joy’ to the Antipodes Festival

As the weekend approaches, Melina Aslanidou is preparing to take the stage at the Antipodes Festival in Melbourne. Read more here.

Secretary General for Greeks Abroad congratulates Penelope Kari for judge distinction

John Chrysoulakis has congratulated Penelope Kari on her appointment as Honorable Justice to the Federal Circuit & Family Court of Australia.

Eight Greek universities ranked among top in the world

Eight Greek universities have recently been ranked on 'QS World University Rankings 2024: Top global universities'.