The first official presentation of Volume I of the two-volume historical publication “Voices and Memories of Asia Minor and Cyprus. They Do Not Fade, They Are Not Forgotten” was held with great success on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at the Archangelos Cultural Centre of the Holy Monastery of Kykkos in Nicosia. The event was attended by distinguished guests and a large audience who demonstrated keen interest in the publication. The research, writing and editing were undertaken by Dr Chrysanthos Chrysanthou, with director and producer Stavros Papageorgiou serving as publication coordinator and Anna Tosounoglou-Christofi as sponsor.
Among those attending the event were Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou, representing the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides; His Grace Bishop Porphyrios of Neapolis; and former Deputy Minister of Culture Lina Kassianidou. Also present were Androulla Vassiliou, former European Commissioner for Cyprus and former First Lady of the Republic of Cyprus; representatives of Asia Minor associations; descendants of refugees from Asia Minor; academics; journalists; and friends, relatives and associates of those involved in the publication.
In his address on behalf of the President of the Republic, Yiannis Antoniou emphasised the significance of what he described as a “truly monumental publication”, which brings to light new evidence concerning the historical ties between Cyprus and Asia Minor and contributes to the preservation and transmission of historical memory to younger generations.
Addresses were also delivered by Bishop Porphyrios of Neapolis; Loukas Christodoulou, Chairman of the Governing Committee of the Centre for the Study and Promotion of Asia Minor Culture of the Municipality of Nea Ionia; Mona Savvidou-Theodoulou, President of the Association of Asia Minor Greeks in Cyprus; and Kostis Kokkinofthas, Director of the Research Centre of the Holy Monastery of Kykkos. A common theme throughout their addresses was the importance of historical documentation and the preservation of refugees’ testimonies through the publication “Voices and Memories of Asia Minor and Cyprus. They Do Not Fade, They Are Not Forgotten”.
Particularly moving was the address by Anna Tosounoglou-Christofi, founder and President of the Anastasis and Efrosyni Tosounoglou Educational and Charitable Foundation, under whose auspices the event was held. She described the publication as a “sacred vow” and a debt of honour to her parents, Anastasis Tosounoglou, a refugee from Asia Minor, and his Cypriot wife, Efrosyni Tsangari.
The publication coordinator, Stavros Papageorgiou, referred to the many years of research that began with the historical documentary “Memory of a Beloved Homeland” (Mnimi Glykeias Patridas) and continues with the production of a second documentary, “The Homeland Across” (I Patrida Apenanti). On behalf of the contributors, Anna Tosounoglou-Christofi was presented with a commemorative artwork by Souzana Petri, dedicated to the life of her father.
This was followed by a musical programme featuring songs from Asia Minor, performed by Christina Polykarpou and Symeon Merkouris, accompanied by a screening of historical photographs included in the publication.
The event culminated in the presentation of the book by its author, Dr Chrysanthos Chrysanthou, who used extensive visual material to illustrate the contents of the 768-page volume. Drawing on primary sources, previously unpublished photographs, documents and personal testimonies, the publication highlights the enduring ties between Asia Minor and Cyprus, the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922, the refugee experience and the settlement of refugees from Asia Minor in Cyprus.
The author stressed that the aim was not to produce “a book of hatred towards the enemy and mourning for lost homelands”, but rather “a book of love and hope, reconciliation and peace”, with absolute respect for historical truth, free from political expediency and the suppression of facts “for the sake of friendship”.
Media Sponsor: Phileleftheros
Upcoming presentations
The series of events presenting the publication will continue on Sunday, 22 November 2026, at 17:00, at the Limassol International Book Fair.
The third presentation will take place on Thursday, 26 November 2026, at 18:00, at the House of Cyprus in Athens.
For further information:
Tel.: +357 99 694407
Email: [email protected]
