The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry has announced the implementation of a 25 euro entrance fee for foreign tourists visiting Hagia Sophia, the iconic former Orthodox Christian cathedral in Istanbul, starting this Monday.
Despite this transformation, the historic site remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts over 3.5 million visitors annually.
The inside of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Photo: Daily Sabah.
Under the new regulation, foreign tourists exploring the site will be required to pay a 25-euro entrance fee. However, Turkish nationals entering for religious worship will still enjoy free access through a separate entrance.
As part of ongoing restoration efforts, the Culture and Tourism Ministry has installed ticket booths to facilitate the collection of entrance fees, ensuring a smooth transition for visitors starting this Monday.
The ministry has also implemented security measures, including the installation of security cameras, fire detection systems, and emergency communication systems along the touring route within the monument. These measures aim to enhance the overall safety and experience for visitors exploring the historically significant Hagia Sophia.
The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, January 5.
During the AGM, Federation members voted to elect Emmanouel Mountakis as President, replacing Tony Tsourdalakis.
A new Executive Council was also elected. They are Mary Rissakis (first Vice President), Iraklis Kaselakis (second Vice President and Youth Coordinator), Terry Saviolakis (Treasurer), and Sofia Komarkowski (Secretary). General Committee members are: Kyriakos Hrepakakis, Emmanuel Vitetzakis, George Katheklakis, George Mamounis, Manolis Gerogiannakis, Vicky Kalogeropoulou, Pantelis Friedakis and Vassilis Giannakis.
On the day, Mr Tsourdalakis gave a speech and thanked his Executive Committee and Federation members for their continuous hard work and dedication to the Cretan cause.
In a post on Facebook, the Cretan Association of the Northern Territory congratulated Mr Mountakis on his election and thanked Mr Tsourdalakis for “his unlimited and valuable help.”
“I lost three first rounds [in] my last three Grand Slams, so for me, it was a very difficult match today emotionally,” Sakkari said after the match.
“I’m very happy I was able to do the job right.
“I was relieved in a way that I managed to win that first set by not playing my great tennis, but sometimes you have to win ugly – definitely that second set was not ugly.”
The first set and a steely-eyed stare from @mariasakkari 💪
Sakkari spent most of November and December in Greece running, lifting weights and training on the courts to prepare for the Australian Open. This involved at least four hours on the court and two hours training in the gym per week.
“It’s been I think the best pre-season I’ve ever had in my career,” she said. “I feel young and very powerful, very energetic.”
The Greek Parliament deliberated on a crucial postal voting bill for the Greek diaspora today, as disclosed by Interior Minister Niki Kerameus during an announcement on Sunday.
Ekathimerini shared that Minister Kerameus, who spoke on SKAI TV, provided insights into the legislation’s intricacies, shedding light on the security measures surrounding the postal voting process.
She emphasised the meticulous handling of envelopes and ballots, aiming to instil confidence in citizens regarding the integrity of the electoral system.
Mitsotakis had discussed the introduction of postal voting in December. Photo: Amna.gr.
Under the proposed bill, citizens seeking to avail themselves of postal voting privileges will need to make their request through the dedicated platform on gov.gr.
Access to the platform requires the use of the voter’s Taxisnet credentials for authentication. Furthermore, individuals must declare their intention to submit a postal vote at least 40 days before the election day, utilising the online platform.
Upon declaration of intent, a confirmation SMS will be dispatched to the voter’s mobile phone, facilitating electronic tracking of the ballot envelope until its delivery to the specified address. To ensure the validity of their vote, citizens must accurately complete, seal, and return the envelope to the appropriate Greek authorities by June 8, a day preceding the European Elections.
The unstoppable Greek women’s water polo team won the bronze medal at the European Championships after defeating Italy and also secured their qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
According to Ant1live, the Greek national team won their fifth European Women’s Water Polo Championship medal and 13th overall, after beating Italy 7-6 in the minor final.
The bronze medal was not the only gain from that success, as the team also secured qualification for the Paris Olympics this summer, their first since 2008 and fourth overall.
The girls defeated Italy 7-6. Photo: Ant2live.
The orders of Alexia Kammenou in the previous days swirled in the minds of the internationals, who implemented them to the letter. The defense improved, the Greek women faced the Italian team even with one less player and all that was left was to make the attack work.
Irini Ninou gave the signal, followed by Margarita Pleuritou and Alexandra Asimaki. In between, Ioanna Stamatopoulou had saved a penalty by the Italian girls, who had several attempts on the crossbar, just like Greece, however.
In the 2nd eight minutes, Greece continued their excellent defense and after a goal by Elena Xenakis, they gained a safe lead. Italy kept sending the ball to the post (even the goalkeeper had such an effort at the last second) and failed to score.
The Greek defense continued to prevent the Italian counter-attack, who scored after 14 minutes through Roberta Bianconi. The problem for Greece was that they too could not score until Asimaki turned back the years and made it 5-2 18 minutes from the end of the period.
Italy was playing its… best in the 4th period, at the same time as Greece collapsed. Two unanswered goals put Italy back into the game, with Eleftheria Pleuritou trying to break their momentum. The dismissal of Matrias Patra and the goals of Giulia Viacava and Silvia Avenio (with a penalty) brought the game to a level.
Nicole Eleftheriadou’s fireball at 3:30 from the end gave the Greek team a breather, which then defended with all its might and kept the lead until the end.
The end of the race found Greece on the winners’ podium and with a ticket to Paris in the summer.
After this victory, Kammenou’s team climbs to the third place of the podium and adds to its collection the 13th medal in its history and the first bronze at the European level.
Prince Frederik X and Australian-born Princess Mary have been proclaimed King and Queen of Denmark on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on Sunday.
According to ABC News, Mary is the first Australian queen to reign over a European country.
The succession came two weeks after Queen Margrethe II announced on New Year’s Eve her decision to abdicate after 52 years of service.
On Sunday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared Frederik’s ascension three times, as the 55-year-old stood beside her wearing a ceremonial military uniform. Queen Mary, 51, and the couple’s four children, then joined him on the balcony as the crowd spontaneously sang the national anthem.
The new Danish King Frederik and Queen Mary did a balcony appearance with their four children!! They did an initial appearance, and then had an encore sealed with a kiss! pic.twitter.com/nZaLdFfHCF
“My hope is to become a unifying king of tomorrow,” Frederik said in his first speech as King.
He then kissed the new Queen, and another great cheer rose from the crowd.
Frederik married Tasmanian law graduate and former real estate agent, Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, in 2004 after a chance encounter at a Sydney pub four years earlier.
The royal couple will continue to reside with Margrethe, who will retain her title as Queen, in Amalienborg.
Lukoumades, one of Adelaide’s top Greek donut destinations, has bid adieu to its picturesque Henley Beach locale, marking the end of an era.
According to glamadelaide.com.au, in a heartfelt announcement, the Lukoumades team expressed gratitude to their cherished patrons and confirmed the closure of their seaside spot.
“Dear our valued customers, thank you for your support over the years,” the post read. “Unfortunately, we have decided to close our Henley Beach location.”
Lukoumades store at Henley Beach.
Having graced the seaside suburb since 2018, Lukoumades had become a cherished spot for both locals and visitors, evolving into a popular post-dinner hangout for satisfying late-night sugar cravings.
Offering a diverse range of toppings from classic honey and cinnamon to Nutella and Oreo, the place offered Lukoumades for every taste.
While the Henley Beach era is coming to an end, the owners revealed you will still be able to get your hands on their sweet treats, saying their Hyde Park location is still open for business along with their food truck that can be spotted at events.
The sudden caused sadness to many passionate dessert lovers, who shared their emotions about the announcement in social media.
“Oh no, I’m a regular at your Henley Beach store, but that’s okay. I will still see you guys in Hyde Park,” one of them mentioned.
As the weekend approaches, the Semaphore Foreshore is buzzing with anticipation for the 43rd Semaphore Greek Festival, set to transform the area into a vibrant hub of Hellenic culture on January 13th and 14th, 2024.
Organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of the Nativity of Christ, Port Adelaide & Environs (PAGOC), this festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of heritage, a reunion of communities, and a showcase of multicultural South Australia.
Semaphore Vounteers.
A Gathering of Leaders: The festival will be graced by distinguished guests, including Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia, symbolising the government’s dedication to cultural diversity. Other notable attendees include The Honourable Stephen Mullighan MP, Treasurer and Member for Lee, and The Honourable Jing Lee, MLC, Shadow Minister for Multicultural South Australia, all gathered to celebrate and support the rich tapestry of cultures in South Australia.
Culinary Delights and Cultural Displays: One of the festival’s highlights is the array of authentic Greek cuisine. Imagine savouring Lamb Kontosouvli, and Loukoumades while surrounded by the lively atmosphere of traditional and modern Greek music and dance. The festival promises to be a haven for food enthusiasts and culture vultures alike, offering a taste of Greece right here in South Australia.
George Diakomichalis: In the midst of the cultural revelry and Greek festivity, the role of MC will be adeptly handled by none other than George Diakomichalis, a renowned TV personality and South Australia’s beloved pastry chef. George, famed for his culinary expertise and charismatic presence, hails from the multi-awarded cafe-bakery Kalymnos Pastries. His flair for engaging audiences and deep roots in Greek culinary traditions make him the perfect host for a festival celebrating Greek culture and community. With George at the helm, the Semaphore Greek Festival is set to be an event filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
A Special Musical Treat: Adding a special flavour to this cultural fiesta is the appearance of Georgia Rappou, a celebrated violinist and singer from Greece. Her collaboration with the Enosis Band is highly anticipated, promising to blend traditional Greek melodies with contemporary rhythms, creating a musical experience that resonates with all ages.
Engaging Activities for Everyone: The Semaphore Greek Festival is renowned for its interactive and family-friendly environment. With competitions like the ‘Who Loves Pita’ and ‘Honey, I ate the Loukoumades,’ along with the exciting ‘Spasta! Plate Smashing Competition,’ there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
A Platform for Unity and Joy: John Douvartzidis, President of PAGOC, eloquently captures the essence of the festival, “It’s more than a celebration of Greek culture; it’s a manifestation of unity and joy within our diverse South Australian community.” This sentiment is echoed in every aspect of the festival, from the smiles of the volunteers to the laughter and chatter among the attendees.
An Invitation to Celebrate: The Semaphore Greek Festival extends an open invitation to everyone to join in this grand celebration. Whether it’s to enjoy the culinary delights, immerse in the rhythmic dances, or simply to experience the warmth of Greek hospitality, this festival is a must-visit for those seeking a weekend of culture, community, and joy.
So, visit the Semaphore Foreshore this weekend, where culture, cuisine, and community converge in a spectacular display of Greek heritage and South Australian spirit. And don’t miss the chance to witness the musical magic of Georgia Rappou with the Enosis Band – a performance that’s sure to be the highlight of your festival experience.
Yorgos Lanthimos‘ awards season continues to ramp up with his film Poor Things being nominated for a number of Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards for 2024.
Featuring stellar performances from Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things captivates festival attendees with its eccentric narrative of a woman brought back to life after suicide by a deranged doctor who replaces her brain with that of her unborn child.
According to ABC News, Stone, who plays the role of Bella Baxter in Poor Things, has been nominated for ‘Outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role’ at the SAG Awards.
Fellow castmate and seasoned actor Dafoe has also been nominated for ‘Outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role.’
These SAG Awards nominations come after Poor Things also won two Golden Globe awards on Monday for ‘Best picture — Musical/Comedy’ and ‘Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy’ (for Stone).
Lanthimos will find out whether he will also win a SAG Award during an award ceremony on February 25 at 11am AEST.
One regular evening, as grandparents Dimitri and Connie Maggos were preparing to wind down in front of their television, they were met by a small crowd of people knocking on their door.
In the now viral TikTok posted by Illiana Venetsanos, ten grandchildren (Venetsanos included), made their way to their yiayia and pappou’s home to surprise them for a sleepover.
The video shows yiayia Connie and pappou Dimitri pleasantly shocked by the arrival of all their grandchildren.
“My yiayia and pappou have four children and 14 grandchildren. One of her children lives in Rhodes, Greece which means unfortunately four of our cousins couldn’t make it. But the other 10 grandchildren all attended the sleepover,” Venetsanos tells The Greek Herald.
“My favourite part of the night was the expressions on their faces when we walked through the doors – it was absolutely priceless and totally worth the effort. I’m thrilled that we came together as a family to surprise both of them.”
Viral TikTok reminds us of childhood sleepovers at yiayia and pappou’s house.
Venetsanos captured some moments throughout their evening to fulfil the request of all the parents, who hoped to savour the memories and also catch a glimpse of what their children got up to at yiayia and pappou’s house.
The video has been making the rounds online, amassing almost half a million likes on TikTok, and has been reposted across social media by Instagram pages such as Greek and Proud.
“We’re amazed and pleasantly surprised that it’s gained viral attention. It’s heartening to read the positive comments and observe many people expressing the desire to follow and surprise their grandparents along with their cousins,” she said.
“Yiayia and pappou are thrilled and genuinely surprised by the positive response. They may not fully comprehend the extent of the video’s impact, but they are aware that it has garnered significant attention and appreciation… We have told them about the amount of views it has gotten and all the beautiful comments, and yiayia’s first response was ‘You should’ve let me fix my hair’.”
Viral TikTok reminds us of childhood sleepovers at yiayia and pappou’s house.
Originally the idea of their aunty, the Maggos’ grandchildren found the perfect opportunity to enact their plan whilst on their summer break from work.
Of course, seeing their grandchildren arrive meant yiayia and pappou Maggos pulled out all the stops. An abundance of food and games appeared before their very eyes.
“The moment we entered, yiayia was already pulling food from the fridge and firing up the oven, while pappou reached for the cards on the top shelf. Even though we arrived post-dinner, and she technically didn’t have to feed us, yiayia couldn’t resist ensuring our bellies were satisfied,” Venetsanos said.
Viral TikTok reminds us of childhood sleepovers at yiayia and pappou’s house.
“We all gathered, enjoying her spaghetti bolognese, an array of snacks, fruits, Greek sweets, and her famous spanakopita that everyone can’t get enough of. Later, we circled around the table, engaging in card games, sharing tales of old memories, laughing, and enjoying lots of delicious food.”
The night truly roused the nostalgia the Maggos’ grandchildren had for the evenings they were dropped off at their beloved yiayia and pappou’s home to stay the night. There was no shortage of happy memories that were brought to the surface of their minds.
Viral TikTok reminds us of childhood sleepovers at yiayia and pappou’s house.
“Some of the best memories we cherish involve yiayia’s delicious food, and coming together as a family to savour her home-cooked meals, often accompanied by her irresistible Greek sweets. Even if we were already full, Yiayia would be upset if we didn’t eat, so we’d overindulge just to see her happy,” she recalled.
“Another cherished memory revolves around lounging on the couch, tuning in to Greek news, enjoying performances by Greek singers and singing along with them, and engaging in card games and tavli. Card games have always been a favourite in our competitive family, although pappou consistently wins.”
Viral TikTok reminds us of childhood sleepovers at yiayia and pappou’s house.
There was however one sore spot for all the cousins.
“As kids, my cousins and I would eagerly anticipate finding a tin box of lollies in Yiayia’s glass display cupboard, only to discover it was actually filled with sewing equipment. It became a running joke in the family,” she said.
Mr and Mrs Maggos migrated to Australia in 1964 on a boat from Athens. Yiayia Connie hails from the island of Symi and pappou Dimitri from the island of Lipsi.
Closing in on 60 years in Australia, Mr Maggos often reflects on his voyage and life with his grandchildren.
“Another memory involves sitting with pappou as he recounted tales of their journey to Australia on a boat from Greece, his days of working multiple jobs day and night, and his enduring love for fishing, a passion he still shares with his kids and grandkids,” Venetsanos said.
Viral TikTok reminds us of childhood sleepovers at yiayia and pappou’s house.
The comment section of the video has been flooded with others expressing their desire to surprise their own grandparents.
“If you’re thinking of surprising your grandparents, do it. Our grandparents always have the same schedule so we knew they were going to be home and watching TV so the surprise wasn’t that hard to pull off,” Venetsanos concluded.
