Throughout July, the Greek Language and Culture Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne organised a series of school activities in remembrance and honour to mark 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
On July 20, 1974, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus and occupied 37 per cent 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.
Included in the school activities were some grandparents of the students, who had experienced the tragic events of the invasion.
They remembered 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.
The students listened to personal stories and were said to be captivated by the straightforward yet vivid narratives, the Cypriot dialect, and the island’s rich cultural heritage and history.
Students also presented their own creations about Cyprus, performed traditional songs and danced Cypriot dances.
More photos below:
