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Distinguished Guests,
It was with great emotion that I accepted Tasos Dimitriadis' invitation to welcome the presentation of his exhibition entitled "When the beautiful past meets the tragic present" at the very elegant exhibition space of the Metro Station "Syntagma". I really regret that I could not be here in person, but I am participating through the Press Advisor in Athens, Mr. Adonis Tagliadoros, whom I thank for representing me.
This is a work which, above and beyond anything else, is a testimony of the soul that hardly leaves anyone unmoved: the before and after of a city that has experienced war and all that it entails.
Tasos Dimitriadis, in his capacity as a filmmaker, visited and photographed the enclosed city of Famagusta, which was also photographed before the horrific Turkish invasion of 1974. Now, he offers us unique images. He offers us the memory of the city.
More than eighty photographs of today are juxtaposed with snapshots of the city of yesterday. As if its image is reflected in a distorting mirror. And from being the jewel city not only of Cyprus, but also of the Mediterranean, it appears as a ghost town after looting and destruction. Light and darkness. The prosperity and decay.
Thus, with realism but also tenderness and empathy, the author effortlessly succeeds in activating the reflexes of individual and collective memory.
Those of you who honour us with your presence tonight will also have the opportunity to watch the documentary "Listen to my voice", co-produced by Tasos Dimitriadis and the Press and Information Office. Seven different people, refugees from Famagusta, take us to the city they loved through their memories and aspirations and confide to us the pain of uprooting and the longing to return.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This summer in Cyprus is loaded, if not burdened, with the heavy weight of fifty years of the Turkish invasion and occupation. Fifty years of efforts, 50 years of hopes, 50 years of disappointments.
It is a fact that for all Cypriots, even for those not directly descended from Famagusta, this city has been identified with the last act of the tragedy.
On the dawn of August 14, 1974, "Attila the Terrible" strikes again with the second phase of the invasion. Turkish forces, despite the agreed ceasefire, bombard Famagusta. The inhabitants are expelled. The city is occupied by the Turkish army.
At dawn on 14 August 1974, time in Famagusta freezes forever. Most of the city remains closed and deserted, with the occupying army refusing to allow the return of its lawful inhabitants, despite the relevant resolutions and UN resolutions.
In both the moving photographic exhibition and the shocking documentary presented tonight, Famagusta once again becomes the symbol city of our island's drama and a stake in the efforts to reach a comprehensive solution that will reunite our country and its people.
The images that overwhelm us are not just works of art, but witnesses to a harsh reality that evokes feelings of bitterness and anger at injustice, but at the same time inspires resilience and hope for vindication and rebirth.
At this point, I would like to share with you some of the words of our poet Kyriakos Charalambides, who very recently was also awarded an honorary doctorate of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Cyprus. Mr. Charalambides honoured the Press and Information Office with his participation in the MFA production series "Penna". In the film dedicated to Mr. Charalambides, the poet takes us on a mental journey - in a way that only Mr. Charalambides can - to Famagusta Vassiliou. He says. It reigns, and on a level that no profane hand can spoil and destroy it. That is why I have called her the reign of our hearts, she reigns in heaven forever. In other words, it has taken on an almost eschatological, theological, metaphysical character.
And I would add, this is Famagusta...
I would like to express my warmest congratulations to all those who contributed to the
organization of this event. As well as my sincere thanks to all of you who are here today to see, feel, reflect and share the resounding message of this sad anniversary: Fifty years is too many. It is a time for peace.
Thank you very much and I wish you all the best.
(EL/EAth/EP)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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