Anastasia

Cyprus Independence Day

 

On October 1st, a bank holiday in Cyprus,  we celebrate our Independence Day with festivals at schools and communities and a big military parade in capital city Nicosia.  

According to the Zurich-London Treaty, Cyprus becomes an independent republic on 16th August 1960 with the charismatic Archbishop Makarios III as the first president who had already been elected on March 1st, 1959.  Cyprus also becomes a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth, and the Non-Aligned Movement. According to the above treaty, Britain retains two Soverign Bases (158.5 sq.km) on the island. The Greek Cypriots alternating support for independence and union with Greece, and the efforts of the Turkish Cypriots towards partition of the island, in combination with the military and strategic aims of the Great powers at various times lead to a friction between both sides escalating into violence in 1963.

Archbishop Makarios III - First President of the Republic of Cyprus

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Between 1963 and 1974, talks between the two communities were held in an effort to find a mutually acceptable formula. However, the situation was dramatically altered in July 1974 when the military junta that was then ruling Greece staged a coup d'etat against Makarios announcing that Makarios was dead. The President had escaped to Paphos and from there he addressed the people of Cyprus through a local radio station.  This triggered a  huge wave of enthusiasm amongst the Greek Cypriots who were relieved to know that their beloved leader was alive. 

Turkey, on the other hand, taking advantage of the situation and purporting to act under the Treaty of Guarantee attacked Cyprus on July 20, 1974. The Turkish Aggression  caused heavy loss of life both in the battle field and during attacks on civilians including children and old people. In addition to this bloody invasion, illegal immigrants from Turkey were brought to inhabit the northern occupied part of the island. To this day, the island remains divided in two parts: the Republic of Cyprus which has been an official member of the European Union since 2004 and the illegally occupied area in the north.

Adana Concentration Camps - Turkey - July 1974

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All six presidents of the Republic of Cyprus

 

 

Happy July 4th!

 
The American War of Independence 

The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known

as the American War of Independence, was a war between

the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British

colonies on the North American continent (as well as

some naval conflict). The war was the culmination of the

political American Revolution, whereby the colonists

overthrew British rule. In 1775, Revolutionaries seized

control of each of the thirteen colonial governments,

set up the Second Continental Congress, and formed a

Continental Army. The following year, they formally

declared their independence as a new nation, the United

States of America.

 

Source: The American Revolutionary War

 

July 4th - Customs and Traditions

Fourth of July is the American Independence Day and

celebrates the spirit of Patriotism and Freedom. The

only holiday dedicated to America, 4th of July is

associated with many traditions the major ones of which

are discussed here.

The day has forever been associated with favorite

customs like fireworks, parades, barbecues, beer,

picnics, baseball, outdoor parties, public and private

events honoring the nation. Being a summer holiday,

most events and entertaining takes place outdoors.

Fireworks are probably the most identifiable event for

Fourth of July. Fireworks have been associated with

Fourth of July since 1777. Firework shows are held in

many states and families and groups even buy them for

private use. Fireworks are often accompanied by singing

or music of patriotic songs.

Picnics and Barbecues have become Fourth of July

traditions due to main reasons. The first reason being

that summer is a lovely time to be spent outdoors and

the second being that these two are easiest way to

entertain a large number of guests.

Public events are common in most cities with state

politicians making an appearance for giving patriotic

speeches. Singing of the national Anthem and other

patriotic songs is also common. Fourth of July parades

are mostly held in the morning with red, white and blue

decorated floats.

Baseball, Football and Frisbee Games and other outdoor

and beach games are popular. There is also usually a host

of activities for kids like face painting, fairs and

carnivals organized at various public places.

Patriotic displays are commonly seen everywhere. People

customarily deck their houses with flags, buntings and

streamers in Red, White and Blue, the colors of the

American flag. Even the clothing worn by people on

Fourth of July reflects the colors and designs of the

Flag.

 

Source: Fourth of July Traditions

Women: Hopes and Aspirations by Hilary Clinton

"Ten years ago, I was privileged to speak at the Beijing Conference on Women. In that speech, as the representative of our government, I tried to explain clearly, for the world to hear, that there could no longer be women's rights and human rights as though they were not one in the same. That's what we had to do, and what was important for the United States to do, was to stand for women's rights. To work with governments and societies to open doors to health care and education and to the full participation in society.

 

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In the last 10 years, we have made a lot of progress. But we still have work to do. And it is my hope that more young women in America will not only demonstrate here in our country how they are putting together lives of meaning and purpose, but also contribute to that great struggle abroad.

There are so many stories that we have seen in our own media over the last several years that clearly argue for the importance of women's full participation—not just because it's the right thing to do, but because our belief in democracy and freedom really demand that it occur.

 I've been to Iraq and Afghanistan twice as a member of the [Senate] Armed Services Committee. I've met with women in both of those countries who have seen so much hope, but are aware of the continuing dangers to them as they go to school, as they try to practice a profession, as they show up to vote, as they run for office. I'm very proud of our country for standing with these women, as they have struggled against great odds to fulfill their own hopes and aspirations."

SOURCE: Women's Political Communication Archive

28 October 1940 - The Hellenic Epic

This post was originally published on October 28, 2010.

All Greeks feel an outstanding movement when they recall in their memory the epic facts of an heroic era: 1940. Indeed, those great and glorious events sealed with indelible glory the historic evolution of the Hellenic nation. It is true that the nation feels exceptional pride for the great "NO" on the 28th of October 1940, said by the Hellenic people at the very early dawn of that historic day.

"The League of Nations, that supported the hopes of all nations for constant peace, was literally disintegrated and lost any substantial significance, after USA withdrew, in a mood of isolation, from the Organization, followed by Germany in 1939, Italy in 1935, as well as an antagonism in showing "peace loving" attitude by the rest of the Western Democracies, mainly England and France, that could not timely foresee and realize the coming threat of war. "

The Hellenic Epic of 1940, a phenomenon psychologically and historically unexpected for the entire world, was unjustly treated by the events that followed : occupation, resistance, executions, the December 1944 coup, the first post-war years, the outburst of the nuclear era, these were facts that shadowed the previous deeds, sealing, and locking-in that chapter of history, before having the chance to explore its monumental significance -  a chapter that was only opened after the country’s liberation from the German boot.

The generation of the '40s proved, once more, that the sacred passion for the freedom of the country is the ultimate duty for all Greeks, who have repeatedly proved it during their age-long existence, and they will not cease to do the same, as long as they live in this beautiful country.

by LTC (Armor) Ioannis Georgoussis
Translated by: Translation Office / HAGS

Cyprus' Contribution to the 1940 Hellenic Epic

• 20,000 Greek Cypriots including 800 women supported the Greek cause against the Axis
• 15,000 wedding rings were given to support Greece's fight for freedom against all-mighty Italy.
• 40 Greek Cypriot students joined the Greek army.
• Turkish Cypriots also supported the Greek cause for freedom.
• Thousands of Greek Cypriots were arrested and captured in Peloponese and Crete.
• 650 Greek Cypriots were killed in the battlefield and buried in 12 different countries.

Information collected from Phileleftheros Online

September 11 - We Won't Forget!

No, we won't forget. How can we forget one of the most horrible terrorist attacks the world has ever known? I know the video is a bit lengthy but please take a moment from your precious time to watch it and remember... Remember the innocent victims and place a virtual rose at their resting place. Remember that this tragedy could have happened in your part of the world.

May they all rest in peace. God bless them. 

The Road to Freedom

No doubt the Greeks had wanted their freedom from the very beginning of the Ottoman rule, but in the 18th century the idea of a free Greece grew into an organised plan. With Russian help, a revolt started in 1770, which failed. Inspired by the French Revolution and the heroic poems (thourios) of Rigas Feraios, the Greeks did not give up, and the secret society Filiki Eteria ("Friendly Union") was founded in 1814 in Odessa of Russia by Nikolaos Skoufas, Emmanuel Xanthos and Antonios Tsakalof. Weapons and funds were collected, and help was sent from Greeks in exile as well as other countries on the Balkan and the Mediterranean sea.The revolution started when Alexander Ypsilantis invaded Jassy and declared Greece a free country. In the Peloponnese, the Archbishop of Patras Paleon Patron Germanos led the uprising on 23 March 1821. The Greek army of the Peloponesse was led by Theodoros Kolokotronis. Other famous Greek leaders of the revolution were Georgios Karaiskakis, Athanassios Diakos, Odysseas Androutsos, Grigorios Dikaios or Papaflessas, while in the seas, Konstantinos Kanaris, Laskarina Bouboulina and Andreas Miaoulis fought the Turkish fleet with their ships. The Greeks may have got certain aid from abroad, but they had to fight on their own. The Turks got help from Egypt, and the Egyptian army captured the whole of the Peloponnese by 1826.

The following year, a republic was proclaimed, and Ioannis Kapodistrias was declared as the first governor of Greece. The same year European countries decided to help Greece and after the failure of negotiations with Turkey, Britain, France and Russia sent naval forces to Greece. Turkey was forced to accept peace, and the so-called London Protocol declared the independence of Greece in 1830. Many parts of Greece were soon given back to the Ottoman empire, though, and several parts of Greece were not free until the beginning of the 20th century.

For a long time, Lord Byron had supported attempts by the Greek people to free themselves from Turkish rule. This included writing poems such as The Isles of Greece. In 1823, he formed the Byron Brigade and joined the Greek insurgents who had risen against the Turks. The Isles of Greece is part of Lord Byron's Don Juan, Canto the Third - LXXXVI. The Third Canto was completed in 1819 but not published until 1821.

A Tribute to the Women of Cyprus

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Kleri Angelidou is a well known philologist in Cyprus and an awarded writer and poet. She has served as a Minister of Education and Culture in Cyprus and as a Member of Parliament. Kleri is an honorary member of the International Women’s Association and she is also the Honorary President of the Greek Language Association and the Lions Club Arsinoe.Kleri Angelidou has been awarded with an honorary PhD by the University of Athens and also by the University of Middlesex, London.

Greek Cypriot women have seen a gradual change in their role as players in the economic revival of the country since the Turkish invasion in 1974. This has been achieved through their increased participation in the island’s economic activity, the updating of family and labour law, the public awareness of women’s issues and the government’s policy for the promotion of gender equality. The contribution of Cypriot women in the overall development of the country is evident:

• Women’s share in the total labour force rose from 30% in 1976, to 37% in 1985 and 50% today
• 66.1% of all women aged 18-64 years are integrated in the labour force
• 35% of Greek  Cypriot women over 20 completed tertiary level  education compared to 29% of Greek Cypriot men

But there is still a long way to go when it comes to gender equality in the workforce:

• Only 16.4% of high posts are held by Greek Cypriot women
• While women are paid an average of 17.4% less per hour than men across the EU, the gap for Greek Cypriot women is 24%

Cyprus is essentially a male society. Patriarchy, the social system in which a male is the family head and primary authority is still very much alive. This is probably due to the political conflict that prevails on the island. The island’s institutions, represented mainly by men, have been focused on the Cyprus issue since 1974, marginalising thus any other important issues such as women’s rights and gender equality. As a result, Greek Cypriot women still have a long way to go through before claiming their liberation from a system which traps both genders.

Traditionally, the expected primary role for Greek  Cypriot women has been to get married and have children and all other achievements were perceived as secondary. Nowadays, Greek-Cypriot women are split when asked if they believe that their social role is different from men’s.

Greek Cypriot women do not talk much about themselves, what they want and their achievements. This is due to gender socialization, which promotes the norm for women to speak very little about themselves and when they do, to be judged as inappropriately showing off. Another reason related to women’s socialization is that women are expected to listen rather than speak, and to focus on caring and serving the needs of others, especially their children.

While many Greek  Cypriot women work outside the home, they are usually expected to fulfill the traditional domestic roles of housewife and mother. Even when these women have full-time jobs, they usually expect little help from their spouses or male children.  To my mind , they are to blame up to a certain extent. Most Greek Cypriot women  often forget that apart from children, they have a husband too. This may account for the increase of divorce in the last 20 years.

It was Mao Zedong who first wrote: “ Women  hold up half the sky.”   

 

 

25 March 1821 – Greek Independence Day

No doubt the Greeks had wanted their freedom from the very beginning of the Ottoman rule, but in the 18th century the idea of a free Greece grew into an organised plan. With Russian help, a revolt started in 1770, which failed. Inspired by the French Revolution and the heroic poems (thourios) of Rigas Feraios, the Greeks did not give up, and the secret society Filiki Eteria ("Friendly Union") was founded in 1814 in Odessa of Russia by Nikolaos Skoufas, Emmanuel Xanthos and Antonios Tsakalof. Weapons and funds were collected, and help was sent from Greeks in exile as well as other countries on the Balkan and the Mediterranean sea.The revolution started when Alexander Ypsilantis invaded Jassy and declared Greece a free country. In the Peloponnese, the Archbishop of Patras Paleon Patron Germanos led the uprising on 23 March 1821. The Greek army of the Peloponesse was led by Theodoros Kolokotronis. Other famous Greek leaders of the revolution were Georgios Karaiskakis, Athanassios Diakos, Odysseas Androutsos, Grigorios Dikaios or Papaflessas, while in the seas, Konstantinos Kanaris, Laskarina Bouboulina and Andreas Miaoulis fought the Turkish fleet with their ships. The Greeks may have got certain aid from abroad, but they had to fight on their own. The Turks got help from Egypt, and the Egyptian army captured the whole of the Peloponnese by 1826.

The following year, a republic was proclaimed, and Ioannis Kapodistrias was declared as the first governor of Greece. The same year European countries decided to help Greece and after the failure of negotiations with Turkey, Britain, France and Russia sent naval forces to Greece. Turkey was forced to accept peace, and the so-called London Protocol declared the independence of Greece in 1830. Many parts of Greece were soon given back to the Ottoman empire, though, and several parts of Greece were not free until the beginning of the 20th century.

For a long time, Lord Byron had supported attempts by the Greek people to free themselves from Turkish rule. This included writing poems such as The Isles of Greece. In 1823, he formed the Byron Brigade and joined the Greek insurgents who had risen against the Turks. The Isles of Greece is part of Lord Byron's Don Juan, Canto the Third - LXXXVI. The Third Canto was completed in 1819 but not published until 1821.

Cyprus Mourns its Greatest Leader

Glafcos Clerides, former President, former House Speaker, World War II hero,  lawyer and sea dog, passed away on Friday, November 15 at the age of 94.  Clerides dedicated all his life to Cyprus and its political problem and he was the greatest leader Cyprus has ever seen.

Photo Credit

Born in Nicosia, on April 24, 1919, the son of prominent lawyer Ioannis Clerides, Glafcos Clerides served in World War II as a RAF radio operator and gunner.  Soon after he returned to Cyprus, he fought against British Colonial Rule under the pseudonym Hyperides. In 1960, he was appointed by Archbishop Makarios the first House Speaker of the newly-born  Republic of Cyprus. After the Turkish Invasion in 1974, Clerides served as acting president when Makarios was in exile, from July 1974 to December 1974. Clerides was the kind of man who would assume responsibility in times of crisis. Ironically, he had often been criticised for that. Oddly enough, whenever a crisis was diffused, it was Clerides that did the diffusing! He was the man who received chaos in 1974 and delivered a prosperous nation in 2003 which entered the EU one year later.  In 1976, he founded right-wing DISY and in 1993 he was elected President of the Republic of Cyprus and was re-elected in 1998.

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Last Tuesday, Glafcos Clerides received a state funeral with honours reserved for a leader who dies in office. Thousands of people packed the surrounding area at Saint Sophia Church in Strovolos Nicosia while a military band and armed soldiers accompanied the body of President Clerides carried on an artillery weapon. It was followed by President  Nikos Anastasiades, the Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Clerides' only child, Katie. The members of the guard received the coffin, covered in the Greek and Cyprus flags and carried inside the church. Medals received by President Clerides for his World War II service were placed on it. He was buried at Saint Constantinos and Eleni cemetery in Nicosia next to his beloved wife Lila who died in 2007.

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Glafcos Clerides was a great leader and a great man. He had something Churchillian about him. Was it that twinkle in his eyes, his amazing sense of humour, his cigar , the impression that he'd break into a smile as if something amusing was going on in his head? The truth is that behind the twinkle in his eyes lay a razor-sharp mind whose humour did not always mean negotiations or serious political matters were jolly occasions.

President Clerides was an honest man who consistently gave so much over so many years, setting a pattern for those who will try to follow in his footsteps. He never thought of personal gain, he never tried to take advantage of his position for financial gain. All he ever cared about was the fate of his country. He hated exaggeration, but I don't think it was a hyperbole what I wrote in the digital book of condolences : " Farewell to a great leader. He was the purest patriot and the greatest leader the Greek community has ever known."  His legacy is his vision and pragmatism and the honour and pride with which he carried himself.  

September 11

I don't think the world will ever forget this unprecedented act of cowardice - the terrorist attack on America at the World Trade Centre Towers in New York City and The Pentagon in Washington. Twelve years later, I remember things so clearly.... September 11, 2001 was a Tuesday, the second day of the new school year.. At 4:00 pm (9:00 am New York Time) I was in class with my Pre-Intermediate kids (11 year-olds). The class finished at 4:30 pm. My Intermediate kids had already been waiting in the hall. They looked pale and scared. I thought it was the back-to-school-shock- after- the- summer break. I smiled at them and said:

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"Hey!!!  It's not the end of the world...just another school year! And summer will come again!".

Then one of my students solemnly said:

" Miss, it's the end of the world for some people.... You know, I saw it on TV ... the Twin Towers in New York fell down and many people were killed!"

That student - one of the best I've ever had - is a bright boy with a vivid imagination.  I smiled again and said:

" So,  aliens from outer space attacked the USA.....Right?"

"No, Miss", another kid said " Not aliens...terrorists! It's on TV"

And as I rushed into my office, a girl asked:

"What's a terrorist?"

"A terrorist", I answered, "is a very bad person who wants to scare innocent people and sometimes kill them."

I turned on the TV in my office ..... I couldn't believe that was real! I cried my heart out and  still have tears in my eyes 12 years later.. I don't have the words to express the horror, the shock and the revulsion I felt while watching briefly on CNN what was happening in the USA.

Let us not forget and let us pray for all the innocent victims. May they all rest in peace.

 

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Ironically enough, September 11 is also a birthday celebration: my great friend Walid's birthday but also the birthday of this blog. On September 11, 2004 I joined TypePad - the best blogging plarform ever - and have never regretted it since then : 953 posts and 6,553 comments in addition to your visits. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.

This post has been slightly adapted from my post published on September 11, 2011