In his address at the events in the harbour of Ayia Napa for the National War of Independence 1821, entitled: "Unique Battle of Ayia Napa 17 March 1826", Mr. Tsiolas said that "historical research has revealed important aspects of the struggle of the National Regression, in which the revolutionary action and the participation of Cypriot fighters is confirmed by historical evidence. He added that "according to the facts, a small fleet of ten Greek warships ran aground at Agia Napa in search of supplies and water, resulting in the mobilization of a force of 200 men from the Ottoman garrison of Famagusta."
He added that "according to the facts, a small fleet of ten Greek warships ran aground at Agia Napa in search of supplies and water, resulting in the mobilization of a force of 200 men from the Ottoman garrison of Famagusta. The clash took place in a hilly area of Ayia Napa, on 17 March 1826, which resulted in the loss of 15 men for the Ottomans and their disorderly retreat."
Memory, he continued, "constitutes the most reliable factor in preserving our historical and national identity."
Memory, he continued, "constitutes the most reliable factor in preserving our historical and national identity. All the more so at a critical time like ours, both in the Eastern Mediterranean region, where we are called upon to confront Turkey's provocative and outrageous actions, and in European territories, where the absurdity of war with all its adverse and destructive consequences is raging."
Referring to the event, Mr. Tsiolas said that "such initiatives allow us to feel national uplift, respect and admiration for the immortal heroic martyrs of our nation and at the same time inspire us to remain committed to our duty and mission, which is none other than the continuation of our struggle for final liberation from Turkish occupation and the achievement of a viable and functional solution."
He added that "the beginning of the Greek Revolution of 1821 is the greatest event in modern Greek history, which founded the Greek state, delivering to the world wonderful examples of virtue, philanthropy and commitment to the values of freedom and dignity. Cyprus, the extreme limit of Hellenism, which since 1571 had been groaning under the brutalities and atrocities of the Turks, participated in every way in the Revolution."
According to Mr. Tsiola, "many Cypriots had already been initiated into the struggle as members of the Society of Friends, among them Archbishop Kyprianos, who on 9 July 1821 was the first to be hanged in Nicosia."
According to Mr. Tsiola, "many Cypriots had already been initiated into the struggle as members of the Society of Friends, among them Archbishop Kyprianos, who on 9 July 1821 was the first to be hanged in Nicosia. He was followed by the Bishops of Paphos, Kition and Kyrenia, who were beheaded, as well as a number of other primates and clergymen, who became martyrs in a massacre that lasted for days".
In addition, he continued, "hundreds of Cypriots went to revolutionary Greece and gave a thunderous presence at the side of the chieftains, while others sold their properties in order to contribute to the outcome of the revolution, proving that the throwing off of the Turkish yoke involved the whole of Hellenism and every inch of Greek land."
In addition, he continued, "hundreds of Cypriots went to revolutionary Greece and gave a thunderous presence at the side of the chieftains, while others sold their properties in order to contribute to the outcome of the revolution, proving that the throwing off of the Turkish yoke involved the whole of Hellenism and every inch of Greek land.
In his address, Theodosius Tsiolas also said that "the blood tax paid by Cyprus as well as the material aid and moral support to the revolutionaries, despite the great risks they ran, constituted an indisputable contribution".
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
