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Tag: Eoka

  • Cypriot hellenism — Exhibition Celebrates New Era for Cypriot Hellenism

    Cypriot hellenism — Exhibition Celebrates New Era for Cypriot Hellenism

    cypriot hellenism — The phrase ‘new era for Cypriot Hellenism’ resonated through the halls of the old Nicosia Old Town Hall as President Nikos Christodoulides inaugurated the ’70 Years of Eoka 1955-1959′ exhibition on Saturday. This event marks a significant reflection on the armed Eoka struggle that began in 1955, a pivotal moment in Cyprus’s quest for self-determination.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    During his address, Christodoulides expressed profound pride in the sacrifices made by the ancestors of the Cypriot people. He remarked, “I am proud of our ancestors, of the people of our homeland, who, literally and figuratively burning with love for freedom and the Union with Greece and defying all danger and hesitation, joined the struggle and generously offered their services.” This sentiment encapsulates the enduring spirit of those who fought during the turbulent years of Eoka.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    The exhibition, organised by the government Press and Information Office (PIO), showcases a rich collection of archived newspapers, photographs, and artefacts from the era, many of which are on display for the first time. Visitors are invited to engage with the history that shaped their nation, reflecting on the struggles faced in the pursuit of independence.

    Christodoulides acknowledged that while Eoka’s struggle did not achieve the desired union with Greece, it ultimately led to the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960. He stated, “The struggle of Eoka 55-59 may not have led to the coveted union with Greece, but it did bring about the most valuable asset to date, our statehood, our greatest bargaining power.” This perspective highlights the complex legacy of Eoka, framed within the broader narrative of Cypriot identity and statehood.

    As visitors traverse the exhibition, they can sense the “accumulated resentment” stemming from decades of foreign occupation following World War II. Christodoulides described the period as one of “decolonisation” for the island, noting the disappointment felt by many as their aspirations for self-determination were repeatedly thwarted. He emphasised the importance of remembering these struggles, stating that the memories of Eoka have been passed down through generations.

    The president paid tribute to notable Eoka fighters such as Kyriakos Matsis, Gregoris Afxentiou, Markos Drakos, and Evagoras Pallikarides. They were hailed as “seeds in the land of Cyprus which bore fruit in its freedom and independence.” Such recognition serves to honour the contributions made by these individuals in the fight against colonial rule.

    As discussions continue regarding the future of Cyprus, including a forthcoming meeting between the island’s leaders and UN envoy Maria Holguin, Christodoulides was careful to position the exhibition within the context of ongoing negotiations. He stressed that the exhibition does not undermine current efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. “The viability, the functionality of a possible solution goes to a very large extent through respect for the historical identity of each person and certainly not through self-abolition,” he said. This statement reinforces the idea that understanding and respecting history is crucial for any future resolution.

    The ’70 Years of Eoka 1955-1959′ exhibition opens to the public on Sunday and will be accessible until December 12. Visitors can enjoy free entry from Monday to Friday between 4pm and 7pm, and on weekends from 10am to 6pm. This initiative not only serves as a reminder of the island’s tumultuous past but also invites a dialogue about its future.

  • Backlash Continues Over Grigoris Afxentiou Comments from MEP

    Backlash Continues Over Grigoris Afxentiou Comments from MEP

    The ongoing party clash over comments regarding the sacrifice of Grigoris Afxentiou shows no signs of subsiding, following remarks made by MEP Fidias Panayiotou during a podcast.

    • The ongoing party clash over comments regarding the sacrifice of Grigoris Afxentiou shows no signs of subsiding, following remarks made by MEP Fidias Panayiotou during a podcast.

    The controversial statements stemmed from a discussion with journalist-historian Michalis Michael, where it was suggested that Afxentiou, a revered figure in the EOKA movement, either committed suicide or was executed by a fellow fighter.

    In response to the outrage, the Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK) issued a strong statement calling for Panayiotou’s resignation, labelling him as “dangerous for Cyprus, its people, and the cause of Cyprus.” This sentiment was echoed by the Democratic Party (DIPA), which condemned the attempt to distort Afxentiou’s historical legacy and highlighted his significance as a symbol of the struggle for freedom.

    President Nikos Christodoulides also weighed in on the controversy, sharing a photo of Afxentiou’s wanted poster on his personal Instagram account with a caption quoting the hero’s own words: “In my last hour, I will fight and die like a Greek, but they will not take me alive.”

    Other political parties joined the fray, with the Democratic Rally (DISY) denouncing Panayiotou’s claims as an insult to Afxentiou’s sacrifice. They asserted that the narrative surrounding the hero’s legacy should not be altered for personal or ideological gain.

    Similarly, the Democratic Alignment (DIKO) stressed the need to protect the memories of national heroes from being embroiled in political disputes. They affirmed that Afxentiou’s sacrifice is a cornerstone of national dignity and should be treated with the utmost respect.

    ELAM, another political party, accused AKEL of attempting to rewrite history, referencing past actions of the party and asserting that their narrative undermines the significant contributions of Afxentiou and other heroes of the EOKA struggle.

    In a response to the backlash, AKEL defended its position, stating that Afxentiou represents an unparalleled symbol of self-sacrifice in the anti-colonial struggle. They argued that the comments by Michalis Michael were misconstrued and that his focus was on the essence of Afxentiou’s bravery rather than the specifics of his death.

    The tension escalated as DISY rebuffed AKEL’s defence, reiterating that the manner of Afxentiou’s sacrifice is crucial and cannot be diminished by leftist ideologies. They insisted that the integrity of historical narratives must be maintained, asserting that such discussions are not merely academic but deeply personal and nationalistic.

    The ongoing conflict illustrates the deep-seated divisions within Cypriot politics regarding historical narratives and national identity. As the debate rages on, the calls for respect and preservation of Afxentiou’s legacy continue to resonate across the political spectrum.

  • Political Outrage Erupts Over Podcast Remarks on Eoka Fighter Grigoris Afxentiou

    Political Outrage Erupts Over Podcast Remarks on Eoka Fighter Grigoris Afxentiou

    Political parties in Cyprus are incensed following controversial remarks made on a podcast hosted by MEP Fidias Panayiotou, where doubts were cast on the widely accepted narrative surrounding the death of Eoka fighter Grigoris Afxentiou.

    The narrative, which claims that British forces set Afxentiou’s hideout ablaze while he was still inside, was challenged by historian Michalis Michael during the podcast. Michael suggested that Afxentiou may not have been burned alive as traditionally believed, stating, “It is said that Afxentiou told [his fellow fighters], ‘get out and I will stay here’. You could not fight inside the hideout.”

    According to Michael, the circumstances of Afxentiou’s death were further complicated by a forensic report from a 2017 trial involving four of his fellow fighters. He noted, “The description states that the others got out, Afxentiou stayed, they shouted at him to surrender and he did not, they threw a grenade at him.” Michael revealed that the forensic report detailed Afxentiou’s injuries, including a bullet wound and other significant trauma, casting doubt on the suicide narrative previously suggested.

    Political reactions were swift and fierce. The Democratic Rally (Disy) was one of the first to respond, condemning the podcast’s assertions as an attempt to “rewrite Cypriot history, which was written with the blood of our heroes.” They described the suggestion that Afxentiou committed suicide or was shot by a fellow fighter as slanderous and an affront to his legacy.

    “Grigoris Afxentiou will remain an eternal beacon of militancy and supreme virtue,” Disy stated, insisting that the significance of his sacrifice should not be altered by contemporary political views.

    The Democratic Party (Diko) echoed these sentiments, asserting that Afxentiou’s sacrifice is a cornerstone of national dignity and collective memory. They urged political figures to refrain from exploiting the sacrifices of heroes for political gain, stating that such attempts deserve nothing but shame.

    In contrast, the left-wing party Akel defended Michael’s position, framing his comments as a legitimate historical inquiry. They highlighted Afxentiou’s status as a symbol of self-sacrifice and heroism in the fight against colonialism. “For the sake of history, we recall that when the British colonialists were searching for Grigoris Afxentiou, the only newspaper which refused to publish his wanted notice was the Akel newspaper,” they argued, emphasising their own patriotism in the face of criticism.

    This exchange of accusations escalated, with Disy accusing Akel of adopting a narrative aligned with British colonialists and undermining the legacy of Cypriot resistance. They challenged Akel to acknowledge their historical mistakes, further intensifying the political friction surrounding the podcast remarks.

    On Saturday afternoon, President Nikos Christodoulides also weighed in on the debate, sharing a post on social media featuring Afxentiou’s wanted poster along with a quote attributed to him: “In the ultimate need, I will fight and die like a Greek, but they will not catch me alive.” This statement resonated with those who view Afxentiou as a national hero, underscoring the deep emotional and political stakes involved in the discourse surrounding his legacy.