Cypriot Australians recount the tragic moments of the Turkish invasion

Greek Cypriot children holding missing relatives photos after the turkish invade in Cyprus in 1974

Greek Cypriot children holding missing relatives photos after the turkish invade in Cyprus in 1974 Source: sigmalive.com

July 20, 1974, marks a dreadful and traumatic memory for Cyprus and Hellenism. Many Cypriots who lived through those tragic events and the aftermath of the Turkish invasion migrated to Australia, to start a new and prosperous life.


These experiences have left indelible traces in their memory, whilst many questions about the revolving circumstances of that tragedy remain unanswered.

Our program spoke with: a Special Forces soldier who fought in Kyrenia, a soldier who with his unit was dispatched to Turkish Cypriot villages asking for their surrender, a Cypriot who was in London, at the time, about his ordeal when his three year old child, was trapped in the occupied territories and lastly, with someone who wanted to fight for his homeland, but on July 20th, was in prison, due to his resistance to the right wing inspired and executed coup d etat, five days before the invasion.

The tribute was prepared by Themi Kallos, who spoke to George Georgiou from Sydney, Savvas Papassavas from Perth, Stavros Liassi from Brisbane and Christos Koulinos from Sydney.

 

 


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