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

‘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

Zenta Kronitis details how she went from ICU nurse to liver transplant recipient

After being told she only had a few days left to live, Zenta Kronitis received the call that would give her a second chance at life.

Convicted paedophile, Milton Orkopoulos, pleads not guilty to 23 child sex charges

Convicted paedophile, Milton Orkopoulos, will head to trial over historical child sex charges in the Hunter in the late 1990s.

NSW Premier condemns ‘disgraceful’ attack on Peter V’landys by Mark Latham MP

NSW Premier Chris Minns has condemned “disgraceful” attacks made by independent MP Mark Latham on Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys.