The launch of Costa Vertzayias’ new book ‘1922- Dispossessed and Uprooted’ took place at the at the Greek Community Club on the occasion of the 100th tragic anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe.
The event was held under the auspices of the Greek Festival of Sydney in collaboration with Hellenic Lyceum.
The formalities commenced with a welcome by Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW followed by two short videos depicting Smyrna before and after its destruction.
Associate Professor Nicholas Doumanis then reviewed the book saying that “it was a wonderful source of information” that he wished he could have been able to reference when researching for his books.
The Greek Community Club in full attendance. Photo: Supplied
Professor Nicholas Doumanis. Photo: Supplied
The event was a huge success. Photo: Supplied
Members of the audience who purchased the book. Photo: Supplied
The Greek Community Club in full attendance. Photo: Supplied
The author, Costa Vertzayias addressing the crowd. Photo: Supplied
He then introduced the author, Costa Vertzayias, who spoke about the causes of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, enthralling the audience with details about little known topics such as the secret agreements to partition the Ottoman Empire, the effects of the Russian Revolution, the duplicitous role of Greece’s allies, the betrayal on the Smyrna waterfront and western complicity in the denial of the Christian Genocides.
Mr Vertzayias projected a video and then went on to stress the importance of applying pressure on the Australian Government to recognise the Genocides.
A Q&A session followed and Lyceum President, Liana Vertzayias concluded the formalities before rebetika songs and refreshments while Hellen Dimas compered and moderated what was dubbed to be a most informative and illuminating afternoon.
