Artist: Theodoros Vasiliou
Location: Palaichori Orinis. Nicosia district
Material: Marble and copper
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to Michalis Karaolis (Μιχάλης Καραολής), Kyriakos Matsis (Κυριάκος Μάτσης) and Nikos Georgiou (Νίκος Γεωργίου). The initiative was taken by Zina Kanther who funded its construction. The unveiling took place on November 19th 1961.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Pafos Archdiocese, Pafos Municipality. Pafos district.
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 122 cm x 71 cm x 41 cm
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned in 1982-1983 during the prettification of the Archdiocese yard.
Keywords:
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: Panayia Chrysseleousa church, Akaki village. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 2 meters
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was commissioned by the Akaki union “Hellenicness” and the unveiling took place on November 5th 1972.
Keywords:
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: The English School, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 2 meters x 38 cm x 38 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken in 1993 by the English School. The bust was delivered in 1995 and the unveiling took place on May 10th 1996.
Michalakis Karaolis and Andreas Dimitriou were the first EOKA fighters who died by hanging in May 1956 at Nicosia central prison.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Associated Refugee unions’ premises, Hippocratous street, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 165 cm x 61 cm x 41 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 Struggle (SIMAE), who coordinated the fundraising.
The note: “your body became a candle for freedom” (Λαμπάδα το κορμί σου για τη λευτεριά) on the back of the pedestal insinuates the way of his death.
Keywords:
Artist: Memos Makris
Place: Kykkos 2nd lyceum, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 156 cm x 46 cm x 31 cm
Category: Cypriot Church, ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The unveiling took place on January 19th 1981.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Dymiotis
Location: Panayia Chriseleousa Church, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken in 1981 by the Panayia Chriseleousa church and Strovolos community. The unveiling took place on December 6th 1982.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 Struggle (SIMAE) premises, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Category: Cypriot Church, ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned in 2002 by the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 Struggle (SIMAE) and the unveiling took place on April 13th 2005.
Selected sources:
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), February 17, 2009.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), February 17, 2009.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, Meeting Minutes April 10, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document March 24, 2009; Meeting Minutes March 12, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Kyriakos Kallis
Location: Charalambos Pettemeridis Park, Tseriou Avenue, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was commissioned by the “Charalambos Pettemeridis” Athletic union based in Strovolos. The unveiling took place on May 19th 1996.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/10, document April 28, 1993.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, Meeting Minutes April 10, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Evangelos Moustakas
Location: Kyriakou Matsi Avenue, Presidential Palace roundabout, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 2.30 meters (the statue)
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Adrienne Christiansen & Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 2002 by the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle (SIMAE). The unveiling took place on June 27th 2002.
The pyramid behind Kyriakos Matsis symbolizes the tomb. It is torn in two parts because of the explosion of the grenade. Matsis seems to be coming out through the split pyramid, his tomb. Thus, the explosion of the grenade which caused his death, offers him immortality.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), March 20, 1999, p. 24.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/16, documents January 26, 1998; February 17, 1998.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/18, document March 24, 1999.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, documents March 26, 2007; January 11, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.10, document May 12, 2009; Meetings minutes April 26, 2002; May 7, 2009; April 9, 2009; June 11, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis
Location: “Lenas” nationalist union premises, Limassol. Limassol district
Dimensions: 91 cm x 61 cm x 61 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned by the “Lenas” nationalist union. The unveiling took place on October 6th 2004.
Keywords:
Artist: Chrysostomos Perdios
Location: Agia Triada church, Limassol. Limassol district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 123 cm the pedestal (+110 cm the two steps) x 36 cm x 34 cm
Category: Public Figures, ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Cypriot Church
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Father Solomon Panagidis was the founder of the catechetic in Limassol and of the Christian-Orthodox Youth Union of Limassol (ΟΧΕΝ). He was a member of EOKA 1955-59. The initiative for the bust was taken by his students at the catechetic school who also coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on June 2nd 1968.
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), May 30, 1968, p. 1.
~ Μάχη (Mahi), December 2, 1964, p. 2.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), November 25, 1964, p. 2.
~ Savvidis Christakis, Περιδιαβάζοντας τη Λεμεσό (Strolling around Limassol). Limassol Municipality: 1991.
Keywords:
Artist: Chrysostomos Perdios
Location: Limassol 2nd Technical School. Limassol district
Dimensions: 156 cm x 64 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the Limassol 2nd Technical School Teachers’ Association. The unveiling took place on March 27th 1988.
The bust is the same to the one located at Lysi town in 1962, and was destroyed after the Turkish invasion and the consequent occupation of the northern part of the island.
Selected sources:
~ Savvidis Christakis, Περιδιαβάζοντας τη Λεμεσό (Strolling around Limassol). Limassol Municipality: 1991.
Keywords:
Artist: Theodoulos Theodoulou
Location: Agia Zoni church, Limassol. Limassol district
Dimensions: 125 cm (+ 36 cm the steps) x 51 cm x 51 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Limassol (city and district) EOKA fighters’ association (ΣΑΠΕΛ/SAPEL). It was placed in 1996.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/14, Meeting Minutes January 23, 1996.
Keywords:
Artist: Chrysostomos Perdios
Location: Lanitio high school, Limassol. Limassol district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 171 cm (+ 18 the base) x 40 cm x 40 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned by Christodoulos D. Hadjipavlou, Mayor of Limassol.
Selected sources:
~ Savvidis Christakis, Περιδιαβάζοντας τη Λεμεσό (Strolling around Limassol). Limassol Municipality: 1991.
Keywords:
Artist: Theodoulos Theodoulou
Location: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Limassol. Limassol district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to all the students who contributed to the EOKA 1955-59 struggles. Judging by the available documents, the wish for such a memorial seems to have been many years before the initiatives of the Limassol Schools Board in 1995. At least three competition calls were issued: the first was published in January 1996 but was cancelled two months later, in April, and a second was called. A third and last, apparently, was published in October 1999 with a view to the memorial being located at the entrance of the stadium of the Lanitio high school. The memorial was commissioned by the Limassol Greek School Supervision of 1962-2005 and was unveiled during 2005.
Selected sources
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 28, 1996, p. 18.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), April 21, 1996, p. 26.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λεμεσού (Limassol Municipality Archive), 15.3.01, documents April 25, 2002; November 4, 2004.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/13, Meeting Minutes January 19, 1995.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/19, document June 22, 1999.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/21, Meeting Minutes June 15, 2000.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/7, Meeting Minutes December 18, 2003.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/9, document June 7 2005.
Keywords:
Artist: Apostolos Fanakidis
Location: Forecourt of the Archbishopric Palace, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Category: Cypriot Church, EOKA 1955-59, Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was commissioned in 2008 by the Archbishopric of Cyprus. The unveiling took place on May 29th 2011.
Keywords:
Artist: Aggelika Korovessi
Location: Phaneromeni elementary school, old city of Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken, among others, by the politicians Tassos Papadopoulos and Manolis Christofidis. The unveiling took place on July 12th 1996. An ad hoc private committee called an artistic competition and coordinated the fundraising. The competition gave no satisfactory results and as a consequence an invitation was made directly to the sculptor Aggelika Korovesi.
The bust is situated at the Faneromeni elementary school because Kokkinou herself attended this school, and, subsequently, taught there. In contrast to the norm, this bust symbolically depicts the hands of the commemorated person, in an attempt to insinuate her personality and her activity both as a teacher and as a patriot. Kokkinou was coordinating the female division of the Orthodox Christian Youth Union (OXEN) and during the 1950s she recruited many young Cypriot girls to the EOKA fight.
An inscription between her hands writes: “I fight to honor my national dignity” (Αγωνίζομαι για να κρατώ ψηλά την εθνική μου αξιοπρέπεια). A second inscription was added after the inauguration, narrating in a more descriptive way her social identity: “The first woman theologian in Cyprus. She was always at the forefront. She recruited, coordinated and inspired fighters for freedom. She fought, she got imprisoned and persecuted. She taught with her words and actions” (Πρώτη γυναίκα θεολόγος της Κύπρου. Ήταν πάντα στις επάλξεις. Στρατολόγησε, οργάνωσε και ενέπνευσε αγωνιστές της ελευθερίας. Αγωνίστηκε, φυλακίστηκε, διώχθηκε. Δίδαξε με το λόγο και το παράδειγμά της).
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), February 5, 1995, p. 7.
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), February 6, 1995, p. 3.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), December 5, 1994, p. 4.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), February 5, 1995, p. 22.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), February 2, 1995, p. 4.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), February 6, 1995, p. 5.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.9, documents June 3, 1994; June 13, 1994; June 27, 1994; September 15, 1994; February 2, 1995; May 28, 1996; June 17, 1996; Meeting Minutes July 1, 1996.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: “Stelios Mavromatis” union premises, Agios Pavlos, Nicosia, Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 190 (+29 cm the step) x 92 cm x 46 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken in the 1960s by the “Stelios Mavromatis” union. No further information is available.
On the pedestal is written: “If freedom reached Cyprus with her wings broken, it is not your fault. Yours were the gallows and the manliness” (Κι αν με σπασμένες φτερούγες ήρθε στην Κύπρο η λευτεριά, δικό σου δεν είναι το φταίξιμο. Δική σου είναι η αγχόνη κι η λεβεντιά δική σου).
On the wall behind him in golden letters the familiar statement appears again “Freedom demands virtue and courage” (Θέλει αρετήν και τόλμην η ελευθερία).
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Chrysaliniotissa Municipal Garden, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 150 cm x 49 cm x 50 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Yialousa Association, the birth place of the Stylianidis, which is in the occupied Ammochostos distrist of Cyprus. The unveiling took place on November 29th 2009.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 6-7.18, Meeting Minutes April 13, 2007.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document November 14, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Saint Savvas church yard, old city of Nicosia. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 165 cm (+17 cm the pedestal) x 59 cm x 59 cm
Category: Cypriot Church, EOKA 1955-59, Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned by the church committee of Saint Savvas. On the basis, in front of the bust is written: “We do not forget our enslaved villages and towns. We do not forget our enslaved land on which our altars and homes are built and in them our parents and ancestors are buried” (Δεν ξεχνούμε τα σκλαβωμένα χωριά και τις πόλεις μας. Δεν ξεχνούμε τους σκλαβωμένους τόπους που πάνω τους είναι κτισμένοι οι βωμοί και οι εστίες μας και μέσα τους είναι θαμμένοι οι γονιοί και οι πρόγονοί μας).
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Dymiotis
Location: Pankyprio high school, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1964 by the Pankyprio (Pan Cypriot) high school teachers’ 1959 association. The cost was covered through the Pankyprio students’ contributions. The unveiling took place on April 3rd 1965.
“Pankyprio Gymnasium” was founded by Archbishop Kyprianos in 1812 and is the oldest high school in Cyprus. Its initial name was “Greek School” until 1896, and had always been the reference point of the union (énosis) ideology.
The memorial dedicated to the high school’s dead students can be considered as the epitome of that ideology in aesthetic terms. The commemorative stele imitates the funeral reliefs at the ancient cemetery of Keramikos, in Athens. Three figures participate in the scene. An archaic female winged figure, symbolic representation of glory, motherland, or victory holds a laurel wreath, ready to place it on the head of the young boy. Her iconic archaic facial features, the headdress, the long carefully draped chiton and the stylized, stiff posture of the body in full frontal creates a sharp contrast with the mother and the son. Both of them are depicted in profile; they wear their ordinary clothes and their gestures lack, comparatively, in ritual conventionality.
The rather aged woman behind the young boy maintains an ambiguous identity: she seems to be his mother, but the broken chain on her right wrist implies also the enslaved motherland.
Cypriot women are depicted in public art in their prevailing identity as mothers. They are wrapped up in the same heavy, peasant clothes and usually hold the dual identity of mother and motherland: At the Aradippou (Larnaka district) memorial to the Cypriot Mother the central figure bears many similarities to the Pankyprio woman, including the broken chains which she holds. Both visual depictions and oral narrations in Cyprus intentionally preserve this ambiguity, exacerbating the emotional charge and rendering malleable their concepts: Women dignify their own existence and the role of motherhood by giving birth to future fighters and heroes and by willingly teaching them the sacrificial duty. Vice versa the fighters defend their motherland in the same way the will protect and defend the honor and safety of their mothers and families.
On the base of the commemorative stele an inscription summarizes the visual narration: “To those who heroically fought for their motherland during the Greek nation struggles. This memorial commemorates the young students of the Pankyprion high school who willingly sacrificed their own life for freedom” («Τοις εν τοις απελευθερωτικοις αγωσι του Ελληνικού Έθνους υπέρ πατρίδος ηρωϊκώς αγωνισαμένοις νέοις εν τω Παγκυπρίω Γυμνασίω μαθητεύσασι και ασμένως υπέρ της ελευθερίας την ζωήν αυτών θυσιάσασι τοδε το μνημείο αφιερούται)
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), April 4, 1965, p. 1, 8.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), March 30, 1965, p. 1.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), April 5, 1959, p. 1.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), April 8, 1959, p. 1.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Agios Pavlos church, Agios Pavlos area, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 2.70 meters
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Turkish Invasion, Ancient Greek and Byzantine legacy
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1992 by the “Markos Drakos” association and initially it was dedicated to all dead and missing from Agios Pavlos and Agios Dometios areas. In 1996 a decision was taken for a liberty statue to complete the commemoration. Donators of the statue, among others, have been the Archbishopric of Cyprus, Agios Dometios Municipality, Agios Dometios Cooperative Savings Bank, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Interior Affairs, and Kykkos Monastery. The unveiling took place on May 2nd 1999.
Goddess Athena stands motionless on her pedestal. A strong neck supports her head, and her facial traits (identical to those of Koili village bust, Pafos district) appear more masculine than feminine, despite her long hair and the female hidden curves emerging beneath the heavy long chiton. In spite of using the most well-known hallmark of the goddess Athena (her helmet) the statue is explicitly identified as Liberty. In addition to that, the placement of the laurel wreath on Athena’s helmet is not a familiar aesthetic formulation or visual symbolism for the goddess, but a direct way to highlight her subsequent association with heroic endeavor. An embossed letter K on her shield allows further connotations and associations.
The inscription on the low pedestal under her feet declares explicitly the devotion of the fighters to motherland: “Using our soul as a shield we safeguard the Greek soil, faithful to the oath for the motherland” (Με την ασπίδα της ψυχής μας εδώ φυλάγομε το ελληνικό μας χώμα πιστοί στον όρκο της πατρίδας). A saying of Odysseus Elytis on the right hand side of the pedestal elaborates the previous inscription “We believed in our steps. We experienced our steps. We called our steps worthy” (Πιστέψαμε στα βήματά μας / ζήσαμε τα βήματά μας / είπαμε τα βήματά μας άξια).
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/14, documents October 27, 1995; March 20, 1996; November 20, 1996; November 25, 1996.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/19, document March 31, 1999.
Keywords:
Artist: Thanasis Minopoulos
Location: Dimostheni Severi Avenue, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 4.5 meters in total height (2.30 meters the statues + 2.20 the wall)
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken early in 1967 by the Pan Cypriot Guild of Civil Servants (ΠΑΣΥΔΥ/PASYDY) which called an artistic competition in 1967 and coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on October 28th 1967.
The memorial consists of a commemorative marble wall divided in three parts. The central part is protruding and, on the top it bears the sculpted complex of three young men, almost teenagers by their looks. The standing young fighter is holding his gun and his motion conveys the intensity of the action. The other two are arranged in a way which is reminiscent of Michelangelo’s Pieta with the difference being that the female figure of mother or motherland, common in war memorials, is substituted by a co-fighter or fellow civilian. The almost nude dead emphasize the vulnerability of the wounded body and the ephemeral life. At the same time, the triangular arrangement of the figures underlines furthers the antithesis between the living and the dead, and culminates the tension which accumulates to the standing youngster. The impression of the realistic snapshot is invoked by the random expressions on their faces, the variety of the gestures and their emotional postures.
Below the sculpted synthesis, a brass bas relief with Karaolis’ portrait in a medal is inserted on the wall. Next to it, an inscription notes: “Martyr in the name of Freedom and Greece / memory attributed immortality to you by placing you on this pedestal / You show to our children the way of honor” (Της λευτεριάς και της Ελλάδας πρωτομάρτυρα / η μνήμη αθάνατο σ ανάστησε στο βάθρο τούτο / το δρόμο της τιμής να δείχνης στα παιδιά μας).
The central part of the memorial is flanked by two wider marble surfaces on which two bas reliefs illustrate, respectively, the sufferings of the enslaved Cypriots and the struggle of the fighters for freedom.
Selected sources:
~ Μάχη (Mahi), April 18, 1962, p. 6.
~ Πατρίς (Patris), September 9, 1967, p. 3.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), January 7, 1965, p. 5.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), February 24, 1965, p. 1, 5.
Keywords:
Artist: Ioannis Notaras
Location: Nikiforos Phokas street, Podocataro Bastion, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze, Pentelic marble
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Makarios III took the decision for the monument in 1957 when, during his time in Athens after his exile in Seychelles, he came to know the sculptor Ioannis Notaras. After the Zurich-London treaty was signed in 1959, the commission was officially placed.
The works for the memorial started in 1961 in Athens. By 1966 the fourteen statues were ready and in 1967 they were cast in bronze in Florence, Italy. They were shipped to Cyprus and kept in the Archbishopric premises. The location for the monument, across the headquarters of the Archbishopric and only meters away from the Green Line of partition, was decided in 1967 after the sculptor visited Nicosia. The whole construction was concluded in July 1974, a few days prior to the 1974 Coup and the Turkish Invasion. For this reason an official unveiling never took place. In 1987 the Cypriot Parliament officially renamed the “Liberty Monument” to “Memorial to EOKA struggle”.
The monument is composed on consecutive levels of platforms and forms a triangular synthesis where the main volume of the narration evolves at the base, around the mausoleum or prison. The idea of freedom, personified in the prevailing archaic figure in the upper part of the monument, is materialized through the EOKA fighters in the middle part, and gives its fruition, freedom, in the bottom part.
Liberty’s figure is depicted according to the distinct classic aesthetics, in its fluidity of volumes and refinement of gestures. She stands still and imperious on a high pedestal on the top of the construction. She holds part of her pleated himation around her left forearm, while pointing towards the sky with her right arm, thus constituting a sharp antithesis with the narrative realistic figures at the base. Liberty’s chiton and himation, along with her headdress, evoke direct connotations with the Greek primordial cultural traditions, whilst the ordinary clothing and features of the peasants below her bridge the past with the ephemeral present. These statues depict representative types of the Cypriot society. The priest, the teacher, the mother, the daughter, the EOKA fighters describe in a snapshot the aspirations of the Cypriot society. The white marble of the construction underlines further the concepts of spiritual purity and eternity, as do the contrasts between Liberty’s expressionless, idealistic face and the faces of the ordinary Cypriots which are sealed with traces of malaise.
According to the initial models, the figures of Makarios III and Georgios Grivas were making part of the lower part of the composition. This arrangement seems to have changed in 1965 and two bronze amphora were planned to take their places. According to Notaras’ letter in October 1965 “the prevailing figure shows with her finger the way to union and gazes towards it. In addition, the two EOKA fighters who lift the iron door of the prison open widely the path that leads to Union and Freedom”. According to other sources the gesture of her hand insinuates the faith to God.
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), June 28, 1972, p. 1.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), August 28, 1968, p. 3.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): E11/545, documents September 6, 1965; September 13, 1965; October 10, 1965.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/2, document November 10, 1972.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/4, June 8, 1984.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document May 12, 2009; Meeting Minutes May 7, 2009.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 0672 06-7/1 to 06-7/3, Γ.21/77/1, doc. no110.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Markos Drakos square, opposite the Paphos Gate, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 2.10 meters (the statue)
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Workers’ movement
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1962 by the Cypriot Workers Confederation (SEK) who coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on October 28th 1962. The 28th of October is a National holiday for Greece, known also as the “Ohi” (Όχι, No) day, and commemorates the start of the World War II for Greece, when it rejected the Benito Mussolini’ ultimatum demanding access to Greek territory.
Markos Drakos was an active member of the Workers Confederation and a fervent EOKA fighter. On the marble pedestal is written the familiar dictum: “freedom requires morals and boldness” (Θέλει αρετήν και τόλμην η ελευθερία). A year later, in December 1963 a bomb was thrown by unknown citizens and caused extensive damage to the monument. Possibly during the restoration works the statue was placed on its pedestal in a changed orientation, overlooking the southeast part of the city.
Selected sources:
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), October 29, 1962, p. 1, 6.
~ Θάρρος (Tharos), October 29, 1962, p. 6.
~ Μάχη (Mahi), October 28, 1962, p. 1, 8.
~ Μάχη (Mahi), December 6, 1963, p. 6.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), July 28, 1971, p. 2.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), December 5, 1963, p. 1, 6.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), September 6, 1961, p. 6.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document April 16, 2009; Meeting Minutes May 7, 2009.
~ Matthopoulou, Evangelia. 2012. «Μνημεία, Προτομές και Ανδριάντες στο Δήμο Λευκωσίας» (“Monuments, busts and statues in Nicosia Municipality”), Φιλολογική Κύπρος 2009-2011 (Philoloyiki Kypros 2009-2011), Nicosia: Hellenic Intellectual Association of Cyprus.
Κeywords:
Artist: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: Stasinou Avenue, Elenio elementary school, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 190 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken by an ad hoc committee for the memorial which coordinated the fundraising. The statue was placed outside the elementary school he attended, and the unveiling took place on April 24th 1996. The date was scheduled to coincide with the 40th anniversary of his arrest, on April 24th 1956.
Patatsos is also known as “The struggle’s saint” because of his devotion to religion and to spiritual matters. An inscription in byzantine style letters attests this image of him. For that reason he is symbolically depicted holding a book with a cross. The base is designed on two levels which seek to give the impression of relaxed motion, although, according to the sculptor, he is depicted the exact moment he goes to the gallows. The construction with the cubes and the doves, symbols of peace and/or victory, and the Holy Spirit, followed some time after the original unveiling. A second inscription on the wall behind him commemorates the names of the nine fighters who were hanged in Nicosia central prison.
Selected sources:
~ Μάχη (Mahi), April 3, 1996, p. 3.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 5, 1994, p. 19.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), March 16, 1995, p. 15.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/12, document December 17, 1993; Meetings Minutes May 24, 1994; July 25, 1994.
~Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/13, document April 19, 1995.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.8, document October 29, 1992.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.10, document February 22, 1996.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Grigoris Afxentiou square, Anexartisias Avenue, Limassol. Limassol district
Material: Brass
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The first decision for a statue dedicated to Grigoris Afxentiou was taken in 1961. At that time a decision was taken to also name the square where the statue would be placed after him. In 1967 an artistic competition was called and Andreas Savvidis’ concept was promoted as the most complete and complying with the requests. However, that work never came into fruition.
A second initiative for the memorial was taken in 1989 by the Pan Cypriot National-Popular Liberation Front (ΠΕΑΜ/PEAM). The statue was delivered by Spanos during the same year, but the unveiling took place seven years later, on February 25th 1996.
Selected sources:
~ Ελευθερία (Eleftheria), September 10, 1961, p. 1.
~ Μάχη (Mahi), September 3, 1961, p. 1.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), March 30, 1990, p. 9.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), November 1, 1967, p. 4.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), Jun 22, 1968, p. 5.
~ Savvidis Christakis, Περιδιαβάζοντας τη Λεμεσό (Strolling around Limassol). Limassol Municipality: 1991.
Keywords:
Artist: Theodoulos Theodoulou
Location: Georgios Griva Digenis Avenue, Limassol. Limassol district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 2.42 meters
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Georgios Grivas’ statue is located in the yard of his hideout, which is now a memorial place. The initiative for the statue, which is identical to that of the “Monument to Memory and Honor” at Chlorakas made by the same sculptor, was commissioned by the General Georgios Grivas Digenis Foundation in Athens and its branch in Cyprus. It was supported through extensive fundraising. The unveiling took place on January 27th 2002 to coincide with the commemoration of his death.
Because of Georgios Grivas’ (known mostly as Grivas Digenis) disagreements with President Archbishop Makarios III after 1960 and especially before his death in the beginning of the 1970s, the initiatives to create a memorial caused ongoing conflicts and confrontations among political parties and local authorities until the unveiling of the statue in 2002.
Selected sources
~ Θάρρος (Tharos), July 7, 1980, p. 8.
~ Πολίτης (Politis), June 5, 2004.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), March 27, 1985, p. 4.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), September 25, 1985, p. 3
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), March 15, 1986, p. 2.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), June 3, 1986, p. 14.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 27, 1997, p. 3.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 28, 1997, p. 4.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 29, 1997, p. 7.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 30, 1997, p. 5, 10.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 17, 1997, p. 16.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), August 8, 1997, p. 20.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), February 13, 2002.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λεμεσού (Limassol Municipality Archive), 15.3.01.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Limassol. Limassol district
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
In 2002, an ad hoc private committee was in place coordinating negotiations with the authorities with regard to a memorial dedicated to Makarios III. After a period of five years, in 2007 the Pan Cypriot Association of Democratic Partisans took the initiative to bring the project to fruition. The unveiling took place on August 2nd 2007 on the occasion of 30 years since his death.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λεμεσού (Limassol Municipality Archive), 15.3.01, documents May 24, 2007; July 5, 2002; March 8, 2007; July 25, 2007.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/13, documents January 31, 2007; May 18, 2007; June 12, 207; June 15, 2007; July 2, 2007.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: First Limassol Technical School, Limassol. Limassol district
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
An initiative to commemorate Archbishop Makarios III was taken by the Technical School Professors’ Association in 1977, the year of his death. A stele with his portrait in bas relief was placed in 1978 inside the school yard.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), August 30, 1977, p. 1.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), march 2, 1995, p. 3.
~ Savvidis Christakis, Περιδιαβάζοντας τη Λεμεσό (Strolling around Limassol). Limassol Municipality: 1991.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Lakatamia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by Pano Lakatamia “Grigoris Afxentiou” Democratic union and an ad hoc committee for the memorial who coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on February 16th 1992.
Grigoris Afxentiou’ bust is situated on a tall pedestal and is flanked by a semi-circular marble wall with the names and the black and white photographs of the dead and missing in a time-span of 20 years, from 1954 till 1974 included.
On the pedestal, under his name is noted his nickname as “The Golden Eagle of Machairas” (Ο Σταυραετός του Μαχαιρά).
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/8, Meeting Minutes July 18, 1991.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Lakatamia. Nicosia district
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 2008 by Lakatamia National Union “Kyriakos Matsis”. The unveiling took place on October 4th 2009.
On the wall behind the statue, on the (viewer’s) left hand side, are written his words: “I fight for this land, so those who water it with their sweat can live free, able to claim its ownership and management” (Αγωνίζομαι τη γη αυτή να τη ζουν αυτοί που τη ποτίζουν με τον ιδρώτα τους και να περπατούν πάνω της ελεύθεροι, διαφεντευτές της, κυρίαρχοί της). On the right hand side is noted his answer to Field Marshal Harding: “We do not fight for the money, we fight for the values” (Ου περί χρημάτων τον αγώνα ποιούμεθα αλλά περί αρετής).
Selected sources:
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, Meeting Minutes January 31, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Christos Lanitis
Location: Heroes’ square. Geri. Nicosia district
Material: Stone
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, Turkish Invasion, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken by the Board of Geri Community. The symbol on top of the low pedestal with the names of dead and missing imitates a flame, although in rather abstract and condensed forms. The flame is the symbol of the fragile and transient nature of life, but also reminiscent of the existence and the spirit of the deceased. In Greek commemorative monuments, either in public places or in cemeteries, the flame (or a torch) is placed on pedestals or stele, on the tombs or on low platforms along with other symbols implicit of the identity and the deeds of the deceased. In some cases, short dictums, or more rarely a bust of the dead, or a bas relief with his/her portrait make part of the commemorative place.
Keywords:
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis
Location: EOKA 1955-59 Museum, Geri. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 170 cm x 61~70 cm x 61~70 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The museum is dedicated to the Geri EOKA 1955-59 fighters Kyriakos Kolokasis (Κυριάκος Κολοκάσης), Ionas Nikolaou (Ιωνάς Νικολάου) and Kyriakos Kakoulli (Κυριάκος Κακουλής), and bears their names. Their busts are situated outside the museum in a small niche of the yard.
The initiative and the fundraising were undertaken by “Dikefalos” union of Geri, and the Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle (SIMAE). The unveiling took place on August 31st of 2006.
Selected sources:
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.99.Γ., documents July 13, 2004; April 19, 2007; May 7, 2007; August 11, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, document January 11, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Ioannis Hadjipavlou Ioannides Park, Engomi. Nicosia district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken in 2001 by an ad hoc private committee composed of members of the KARI (Cypriot Fighters Venturesome Leaders) association. KARI was the group of Cypriot university students which Ioannis Hadjipavlou Ioannides had organized in Athens during his time there, after 1931. KARI members became EOKA members in the 1950s.
The unveiling took place on March 31st 2002. The park, initially named Agia Sofia Park, took his name after the unveiling of the monument.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), April 16, 2002, p. 6.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), document March 30, 2000.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Makarios Athletic Center Avenue and Elias Papakyriakou crossroads, Engomi. Nicosia district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by a private ad hoc committee under the care of Petros Stylianou, Mayor of Engomi. The unveiling took place in 1996.
On the pedestal is written: “Either I will die fighting or I will live in freedom” (Ή θα πέσω μαχόμενος, ή θα ζήσω ελεύθερος).
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 23, 1995, p. 9.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Griva Digeni Avenue and St. Nicolaos crossroads, Engomi. Nicosia district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken in 1996 by Petros Stylianou, Mayor of Engomi, the “Free Soloi” (Eleftheroi Soloi) union, and Thasos Sofokleous. The unveiling took place on May 22nd 1997.
On the pedestal is written the phrase: “We sing and chant and praise God because He made us worthy to die for freedom” (Τραγουδούμε και ψάλουμε και δοξάζουμε το Θεό που μας αξίωσε να πεθάνουμε για την Ελευθερία).
Keywords:
Artist: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: Crossroads of Eleftheria and Heroon Avenues. Engomi. Nicosia district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1999 by the ad hoc private committee for Stylianos Lenas memorial. It was funded by The Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle (SIMAE). Although the statue was finished in 2001, the current location was promoted as the most appropriate among others some three years later. Additional time was needed for bureaucratic procedures to clear. The unveiling took place on November 19th 2007.
Selected sources:
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.94.7, vol. 7, Meetings Minutes March 30, 2004; February 2, 2006; July 6, 2006, September 14 2008, November 16, 2006.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, Meeting Minutes May 13, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Marios Garyfalakis
Location: 1st and 2nd elementary school premises, Aglandjia. Nicosia district.
Material: Marble
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken in 1964 by the national association “Olymbos” who coordinated an extensive fundraising. The unveiling took place on November 15th 1964.
Selected sources:
~ Μάχη (Mahi), October 17, 1962, p. 4.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, Meeting Minutes October 9, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Andros Kazamias
Location: Police Headquarters, Lemesou Avenue, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Material: Stone
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Adrienne Christiansen
The initiative for the statue of Makarios III was taken by the Police Associations and was commissioned in 1985 after a competition call. The cost was covered by fundraising among the Cypriot Police force members. The unveiling took place on June 18th 1992
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), March 24, 1985, p. 2.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 19, 1992, p. 20.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/4, competition call document; Meetings Minutes June 29, 1984; October 18, 1984.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/6, documents October 13, 2003; July 17, 2003; January 26, 2004.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Dymiotis
Location: The University of Cyprus, 75 Kallipoleos Avenue, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken in 1959 by the Cyprus Academy of Education who coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on October 18th 1961.
The stele depicts an archaic kori crowning Fotis Pittas with a laurel wreath. Judging by the spear she holds on her left hand and although she does not appear with her familiar classic features, we could identify her to Athena, being also the goddess praising heroic endeavour.
Selected sources:
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), September 18, 1959, p. 2.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), October 28, 1959, p. 2.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 19, 1961, p. 1.
~ Academy of Education yearbook 1961-1962.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, in front of Saint Prodromos church, Mesa Geitonia. Limassol district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 185 cm x 57 cm x 60 cm
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Mesa Geitonia national-popular association which coordinated the fundraising. It was placed in 1979.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 21, p. 12.
Keywords:
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis
Location: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Mesa Geitonia, Limassol district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial to Grigoris Afxentiou was commissioned by the Mesa Geitonia Cooperative Bank.
This is the second work of Philipos Yiapanis where the concept of liberty/freedom is symbolized by birds. The first one is the “Freedom message to the world” at Agia Napa, Ammochostos district.
Here the concept is focused on the EOKA fighter Grigoris Afxentiou, the “Golden Eagle of Machairas”, as is evident by the open book where his presumed last words to his co-fighters are noted on the left page, while on the right, the flames insinuate the way he died.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Cross church, Pano Kivides. Limassol district
Material: Copper
Dimensions: 2.63 meters (in total)
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Aggeliki Sotiriou was a member of EOKA 1955-59 and was known by the nickname “Filimon”. Her memorial is located in close proximity to where she was killed.
The initiative for the commemoration was taken by the women’s organization of the Democratic Party (ΓΟΔΗΚ/GODIK), which also coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on Arpil 1st 1990
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), March 16, 1989, p. 3.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), February 2, 1990, p. 5.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/7, document January 29, 1990.
Keywords:
Location: Pelendri – Kato Amiantos main road, Pelendri. Limassol district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The “Forest of the 1955-59 Heroes” is an extensive and complex memorial place made up of separate but interconnected parts: the Propylaea; the stele for the victims; the Fighters’ Hall; the hero-martyrs stairs; the Panayia Eleftheriotissa chapel; the EOKA oath text; the Honor Monument or Liberty Monument; the memory flame; and the heroes’ grove.
The Pelendri memorial place is dedicated to the hundred and eight EOKA 1955-59 fighters who died during the struggle. Around Pelendri area a considerable number of conflicts took place and many hideouts of EOKA fighters were located.
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the EOKA 1955-59 fighters’ association of Limassol city and district (ΣΑΠΕΛ/SAPEL). Subsequently the coordination of the construction, which lasted from 1994 to 2001, and its funding was undertaken by the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle (ΣΙΜΑΕ/SIMAE). The first inauguration took place on September 28th 1997, while some parts of the construction were still pending completion. A second event followed on November 11, 2001 specifically for the exhibition place in the Fighters’ Hall.
On the walls of the Propylaea two inserted copper plaques bear the portraits of Archbishop Makarios III and Georgios Grivas (known as Digenis) made by Leonidas Spanos.
Close by, in the Fighters Hall, is situated Evangelos Moustakas’ work titled “Liberty breaks its chains”. It is a modern, abstract synthesis in brass, based in insinuation than in narration. However, the dynamic formation of the trapped in the rods liberty, or victory, clearly pictures the struggle required.
In the basement of the hall a series of paintings titled “Hymn to Liberty”, made by Andreas Makariou, narrate in a stylized way eloquent scenes of martyrdom, fighting, death, hope and heroic deeds. Andreas Makariou is also the artist of the paintings at the “Agios Georgios Boat Museum” in Chlorakas, where the second extensive and complex memorial dedicated to EOKA 1955-59 is located.
The path, the “hero-martyrs stairs”, which leads to the Honor’s Monument or Liberty Monument is 650 meters long and is made up of 108 steps, each one symbolically dedicated to one of the dead fighters. Their names are engraved on marble plaques and inserted in the steps.
The Honor’s Monument or Liberty Monument is situated on a plateau overlooking the valley and the surrounding mountains. It consists of three parts: a low horizontal cement wall, a vertical pillar and the altar with the sacred fire, the eternal flame.
On the cement wall Evangelos Moustakas has carved a bas relief on a white marble plaque which symbolically and in a stylized manner narrates the martyrdom of the fighters. The waving flag, the replicated pieta pattern, the angel of victory who hastens the dead, and the sun implying hope, life and symbolizing resurrection make part of the narration. The end result bears strong aesthetic similarities to the reliefs on the commemorative wall in Chlorakas’ commemoration place made by the same artist. Under the bas relief, on the sloped surface of the marble is engraved the EOKA oath extending and accentuating the preceding visual narration.
The inauguration of the memorial place took an extensive celebrative and symbolic form: a number of EOKA memorials all over Cyprus were symbolically selected by SIMAE to join with religious rituals for the Pelendri main events. In addition, on the eve of the inauguration a ceremonial ritual torch flame was lit at each selected memorial site and they were carried to Pelendri to light its altar. The flame was kept lit over night and during the inauguration ceremonies the following day.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), September 22, 1997, p. 8.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), September 24, 1997, p. 4.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/12, Meeting Minutes September 27, 1994.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.94.7, vol. 7, Meeting Minutes September 14, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, document June 6, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, Meeting Minutes May 7, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Pelendri. Limassol district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 190 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the “Sotiris Taggaris” union, and the ad hoc committee for the “Pelendri heroes’ statues”. The statue was completed in 1984 and the unveiling took place on November 16th 1997.
Selected sources:
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), February 28, 1979, p. 7.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/3, document September 30, 1980.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/8, document 17, 1991.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/13, Meeting Minutes September 25, 1995.
Keywords:
Artist: Chrysostomos Perdios
Location: Archaggelos Michail church yard, Chandria. Limassol district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 172 cm x 39 cm x 39 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned by Christodoulos Hadjipavlou and the unveiling took place on March 25th 1984.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Chandria. Limassol district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the “Michail Archaggelos” Orthodox association of Chandria. The unveiling took place on March 26th 1989.
Selected sources:
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), March 28, 1984, p. 3.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968, Meting Minutes May 31, 1968.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Foini. Limassol district
Material: Copper
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the Foini emigrants’ association. No further information is available.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Panayia church yard, Potamitissa. Limassol district
Material: Marble
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1961 by the Potamitissa Orthodox Institution (ΘΟΙ/ΤΗΟΙ), and the Potamitissa Orthodox Christian Youth Union. Due to erosion over time, in 1998 a new construction, an exact copy of the original, replaced the old. The initiative for this restoration work was taken by the Potamitissa emigrants’ association and the Potamitissa community. The unveiling took place on May 28th 2000.
The memorial replicates all the familiar and symbolic visual patterns of Greek antiquity and 19th century neoclassicism in Greece. The fluted pillars standing on elaborated, tall bases are crowned with capitals decorated with astragals and darts, topped with palmette motifs. The white marble used in all the parts of the memorial accentuates further the links to the Greek architecture tradition. The familiar black and white photographs of the two fighters are framed with laurel wreaths and Greek flags. The two angels or victories above them, each holding a laurel wreath underline their sacrificial death and imply their lofty deeds. Between them, the bas relief with the wailing female figure, mother, wife or motherland, is reminiscent of the pain and the unhealed trauma. At the same time it replicates a familiar pattern used in 19th century Greece to symbolize death and grief. Last but not least, the demarcation of the commemorative place with fencing links it directly to the elaborated and prominent tombs of Athens’ 1st cemetery.
Keywords:
Evmenios Markantonis Iordanis Iordanous Vakis
Nikos Sofokleous Panikos Symeou
Artist: Unknown
Location: Pachna community square. Limassol district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Turkish Invasion, Inter-communal conflicts 1967
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The archaic stele with the pediment crowning constitutes the central part of the memorial dedicated to all the Pachna dead fighters. On an inserted plaque Konstantinos Kavafis’ verses are noted: “Honor those who in the life they lead define and guard a Thermopylae” (Τιμή σ’ εκείνους όπου στην ζωή των ώρισαν και φυλάγουν Θερμοπύλες).
Its unveiling took place in July 1990. Since then four busts were added commemorating four Pachna individual fighters.
The busts of Evmenios Markantonis (Ευμένιος Μαρκαντώνης), who died during the inter-communal conflicts of 1967, and of Panikos Symeou (Πανίκος Συμεού), who died during the EOKA struggle, were unveiled at the same time with the stele.
The bust of Nikos Sofokleous (Νίκος Σοφοκλέους), who died during the EOKA struggle, was made by Philippos Yapanis and was unveiled on October 15, 2006.
The bust of Iordanis Iordanous Vakis (Ιορδάνης Ιορδάνους Βάκης), who died during the Turkish invasion, was also made by Philippos Yiapanis and was unveiled on October 11th 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Sofialakis
Location: Eleftheria Avenue, Palodia elementary school. Limassol district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 131 cm (+ 42cm + 34 cm pedestal) x 46 cm x 34 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Nikos Evagorou was known by his nickname “Plato”. The initiative for the memorial was taken by his co-fighters. The bust was completed and shipped in 1961. The unveiling took place on May 19th 1968.
Selected sources:
~ Κύπρος (Kypros), June 5, 1961, p. 5.
~ Κύπρος (Kypros), June 19, 1961, p. 4.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), July 30, 1961, p. 8.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 19, 1968, p. 1.
Κeywords:
Dimitris Charalambous Vasilis Alexandrou
Artist: Unknown
Location: Timiou Prodromou church, Limnatis. Limassol district
Dimensions: 187 cm x 61 cm x 37 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the families of the fighters.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/8, document June 17, 1991.
Keywords:
Artist: Arestis Stasi
Location: Kyperounta. Limassol district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by an ad hoc private committee at Kyperounta village, which also coordinated the fundraising. The two figures were sculpted in 1970.
Selected sources:
~ Πατρίς (Patris), May 27, 1967, p. 6.
~ Ελευθερία (Eleftheria), July 15, 1971, p.2.
Keywords:
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis
Location: Kolossi, Apostolos Loukas parish. Limassol district
Material: Copper
Dimensions: 130 cm x 67 cm x 47 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the “Andreas & Nikos” nationalist union of Kolossi. The bust was commissioned by the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle (ΣΙΜΑΕ/SIMAE). The unveiling took place on April 28th 2002.
The bust is located next to the Sokratis Neophytou Sokratous bust which was unveiled a year earlier.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/19, document march 20, 1999; Meeting Minutes April 29, 1999.
Κeywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Zoopigi. Limassol district
Dimensions: 140 cm x 47 cm (+87 cm +127 cm) x 28 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by The Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 Struggle (ΣΙΜΑΕ/SIMAE). The unveiling took place on Arpil 22nd 2007.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/22, document March 19, 2001; Meeting Minutes October 3, 2000.
Keywords:
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis & Phylactis Ierides
Location: “Panayiotis Toumazos” union premises, Episkopi. Limassol district
Dimensions: 135 cm x 104 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the “Panayiotis Toumazos” union. It was placed in 1997.
Keywords:
Artist: Thedoulos Theodoulou
Location: Dierona. Limassol district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 146 cm x 52 cm x 52 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the EOKA 1955-59 fighters of Limassol city and district (ΣΑΠΕΛ/SAPEL). The bust was placed between 1995 and 1997.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/13, document October 2, 1995.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/14, Meeting Minutes January 23, 1996.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/15, Meeting Minutes February 27, 1997.
Keywords:
Artist: Theodoulos Theodoulou
Location: Vouni Primary school, Vouni. Limassol district
Material: Copper
Dimensions: 125 cm (+ 35 cm the steps) x 52 cm x 42 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to all the dead and missing from Vouni village. The initiative was taken by the Vouni emigrants’ association. The busts were made in 1995 and the unveiling took place on November 20th 1997.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Kato Amiantos. Limassol district
Material: Brass
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the “Evagoras” sports union of Kato Amiantos. The statue was made in 1988 and the unveiling took place on June 25th 1989.
Keywords:
Artist: Dimitra Tserkezou
Location: “Apeitios” school, Agros. Limassol district
Material: Copper
Dimensions: 178 cm (+ 54 cm step) x 32 cm x 43 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust is placed on the left hand side of the school entrance, opposite to the school benefactor’s bust, Kyriakos Apeitos. The unveiling took place on July 3rd 1966.
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), July 2, 1966, p. 1.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/15, Meeting Minutes March 27, 1997.
Keywords:
Artist: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: Saint Kyriaki church, Agros. Limassol district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1998 by an ad hoc committee for the memorial to the EOKA 1955-59 fighters.
The distinct segregation between masculine and feminine identities becomes explicitly tangible in the case of the sole memorial acknowledging and honoring women’s contribution to national struggles, paying a “reverent commemoration and praise” to them as indicated on the inscription.
Nevertheless, the sculpture does not include any of the expected, or necessary under the circumstances, male attitudes of aggressiveness or militaristic spirit. On the contrary, the woman depicted is illustrated in favour of the female stereotype, as a mild, rather agreeable creature, saluting with her right hand while holding a stone in her left hand, which rests bended on her stomach. Symbolic cultural values prove rigid enough to prevent any visual representation of a shifting identity, which could deconstruct the dominant codes.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Yeratzia area, Agridia. Limassol district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Savvas Rotsidis was the last EOKA fighter to die. The memorial was commissioned by the “The Prophet Ilias” Agridia emigrants association and The Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 Struggle (ΣΙΜΑΕ/SIMAE). The unveiling took place on November 24th 2002.
The location was chosen on purpose to mark the place where the fighter died. On the right hand side of the monument is briefly noted the incident of his death.
Selected sources:
Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/19, Meeting Minutes May 13, 1999.
Keywords:
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis
Location: Saint Mamas church, Agios Mamas. Limassol district
Dimensions: 152 cm x 47 cm x 47 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by The Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 Struggle (ΣΙΜΑΕ/SIMAE). It was made in 1999 and the unveiling took place on May 14th 2000.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 13, 2000, p. 24.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/16, Meeting Minutes March 5, 1998.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Matheina neighborhood, Agios Mamas. Limassol district
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken in 2001 by the Agios Mamas community committee, in corporation with the “Palliggenesia” nationalist union. Eventually the unveiling took place on April 5th 2009.
On the pedestal under his portrait is written: “we encapsulated your sacrifice in our hearts forever” (Κλείσαμε για πάντα στην καρδιά μας τη θυσία σου).
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/14, Meetings Minutes October 22, 2002; January 5 2009.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.94.7, documents July 11, 2003; August 2, 2005; November 21, 2005.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, documents March 26, 2001; August 6, 2002; June 1, 2007; November 15, 2008; February 9, 2009; February 17, 2009; February 24, 2009; March 14, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Fedonas Potamitis
Location: Agios Konstantinos. Limassol district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 153 cm x 82 cm x 77 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 Struggle (ΣΙΜΑΕ/SIMAE), and the Pan Cypriot Committee for the memorial to Yiannakis Christoforou. The unveiling took place on March 14th 2010 to coincide with the commemoration date of his death.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/13, Meeting Minutes September 21, 1995.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Agios Dometios Youth union premises, Kyriakou Matsi Avenue, Agios Dometios. Nicosia district.
Material: Copper
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Nitsa Chatzigeorgiou was a member of Agios Dometios’ parish and a fervent supporter of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle. She was disseminating its’ ideology, recruiting young people, and active throughout the EOKA 1955-59 struggle. The initiative for the bust was taken in 2004 and the unveiling took place on March 13th 2005.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/7, document May 13, 2004.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/8, document September 15, 2004.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Sources, Acheon Avenue, Agios Dometios. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 172 cm (+ 20 cm the steps) x 36 cm x 26 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken in 1994 by the Ministry’s Agricultural Department association of the employees. The unveiling took place on November 19th 1995.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Kolokasidis roundabout, Agios Dometios. Nicosia district
Material: Copper
Dimensions: 2.80 meters (the statue)
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1997 by an ad hoc committee for Tasos Markou statue, composed by officers of the National Guard, which also coordinated an extensive fundraising. The statue is symbolically viewing Pentadaktylos Mountain, in the occupied area, where the fighter is missing. The unveiling took place in 1999.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), March 17, 1999, p. 16.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/16, document October 23, 1997.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), documents December 10, 1997; February 5, 1999.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee), 14.3.01/5, March 11, 2003.
Keywords:
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: “Michalakis Paridis” union premises, 1st April Avenue, Larnaka. Larnaka district.
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 2 meters
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The construction of the bust was an initiative of “Michalakis Paridis” union. The unveiling took place on May 3rd 1997.
Keywords:
Artist: Fedonas Potamitis
Location: Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue, in front of Larnaka old hospital. Larnaka district.
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 3.34 meters
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned in 1988 by Larnaka Municipality and Larnaka “Rotary” Club. The unveiling took place on June 29th 1988.
Selected sources:
~Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), June 28, 1988, p. 16.
Keywords:
Artist: Kyriakos Kallis
Location: Antonis Papadopoulos stadium, Larnaka. Larnaka district.
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 181 cm x 103 cm x 103 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by “Anorthosis” (Recovery) athletic association, the Papadopoulos’ family and Pavlos Pavlakis. The unveiling took place on January 28th 1998. Before joining the EOKA 1955-59 struggle, Papadopoulos was also an educator and a sports champion.
Selected sources:
~Fileleftheros (Φιλελεύθερος), January 30, 1998.
Keywords:
Artists: Nikolaos Kotziamanis and Kyriakos Kontovourkis
Location: General Timayia Avenue, Larnaka. Larnaka district.
Material: Brass and marble
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Inter-communal conflicts 1958, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by Lysi community. Although Lysi village is situated in the occupied part of Cyprus, its’ authorities are regularly elected by their ex-inhabitants in the free part of the island. The same policy is applied to all the occupied municipalities and communities.
The memorial was initially dedicated to eight EOKA 1955-59 dead and the initial unveiling took place in September 6th 1996. In 2000 the memorial was reformed and it was extended physically: The initial construction consisted of the (current) central part with the marble platform and the standing female militant figure on top. In 2000 nine stele in total were added on the left and right hand site with the names of dead and missing Lysi fighters during the inter-communal conflicts of 1958 and the Turkish invasion. The second unveiling of the current memorial took place on September 8th 2011 and is now dedicated to thirty four dead and missing fighters.
Selected sources:
~Αγών (Agon), September 8, 1996.
~Αλήθεια (Alithia), December 7, 1989.
~Σημερινή (Simerini), January 1, 1992.
~Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/11, no 694/93.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Garyfalakis
Location: Junction of Grigoris Afxentiou and Leonidas Kioupi St., Larnaka. Larnaka district.
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 3.40 meters
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The monument is located close to Larnaka Municipal Library and Municipal Garden. It was commissioned in 1964 by the Larnaka “Lions” Club, Larnaka Municipality and Larnaka-Ammochostos “Salina” club. The unveiling took place twice: the first time on January 24th 1965 and the second on December 8th 1996 due to the reconstruction of the surrounding area.
The monument is also known as Memorial to the Larnaka EOKA 1955-59 fighters. It is dedicated to the memory of Artemis Frantzesco (Αρτέμη Φραντζέσκο), Toumazou Toumazou (Τουμάζου Τουμάζου), Petraki Kyprianou (Πετράκη Κυπριανού), Andrea Souroukli (Ανδρέα Σουρουκλή) and Michalaki Paridi (Μιχαλάκη Παρίδη).
The female figure on the top of the pedestal replicates all the iconic features of the archaic kores. The whole architecture construction bears an absolute symmetry. The stiffness and the rigid frontality of the kori; her verticality underlined by the stylized drapery of the long chiton; and her imposing presence on the high pedestal contradict with the succinct narration of the two depicted fighters.
On the front part of the pedestal, under the relief with the two fallen soldiers, are noted two lines taken from the Greek national anthem “Born from the Greek sacred bones” (Απ’ τα κόκκαλα βγαλμένη των Ελλήνων τα ιερά).
Selected sources:
~Μάχη (Mahi), December 12, 1996.
~Αγών (Agon), September 19, 1996.
~Αγών (Agon), December 10, 1996.
~Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 26, 1965, p. 4.
~Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), November 30, 1996.
~Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/14, document April 10, 1996; Meeting Minutes July 5, 1996.
Keywords:
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: King Pavlos square, Petraki Yiallourou St., Larnaka. Larnaka district.
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 4.50 meters
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was commissioned by the Diocese of Kition and the “EPA” (ΕΠΑ) sports union. The unveiling took place on November 20th 1988.
Selected sources:
~Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, Meeting Minutes March 13, 2008.
~Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document June 12, 2009; Meetings Minutes November 6, 2008; January 15, 2009; February 12, 2009; May 7, 2009; June 11, 2009; December 13, 2009.
~Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.11, document June 12, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: Michalakis Paridis square at Larnaka. Larnaka district.
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 2.30 meters high
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
On the rear of the pyramidal pedestal is written part of a Paridis’ poem: “When you conclude your fights it is desirable to find back home the immaculate hug of the faithful Penelope. But if you die on the field, that is the sublime moral way to offer your life” (Ποθητό ‘ναι να βρης στων αγώνων το τέρμα μιας πιστής Πηνελόπης αγκαλιές αμόλυντες. Μ’αν αφήσης στην μάχη την πνοή σου την ύστατη, πιο χρηστά δεν μπορούσες την ζωή να προσφέρης).
The initiative for the construction of the statue was taken in 1967 by the Larnaka hiking club and was funded by private sources. The unveiling took place on January 26th 1969.
Selected sources:
~Μάχη (Mahi), June 17, 1966, p. 3.
~Αγών (Agon), June 27, 1966, p. 5.
~Απογευματινή (Apogevmatini), March 8, 1994.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Larnaka “Kalogera” elementary school yard. Larnaka district.
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 150 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The eight years old child is depicted holding stones in memory of his action to throw stones against British soldiers and being shot as a consequence.
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 2009 by the “Kalogera” elementary school parents’ union and by Kyriakos Teodotou, an EOKA 1955-59 fighter and SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle) member.
Selected sources:
~Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, Meetings Minutes April 9, 2009; March 12, 2009; June 11, 2009.
~Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document June 12 2009.
~Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.11, document June 12, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue, close to Evriviadio high school, Larnaka. Larnaka district.
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the statue was taken by the Larnaka School Board. The unveiling of the statue took place on June 13th 1985. A second ceremony to inaugurate the memorial area, after the reconstruction, took place on January 19th 2011.
Selected sources:
~Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 3, 1979, p. 10.
~Σημερινή (Simerini), June 13, 1985, p. 7.
Keywords:
Artemis Frantzeskou Toumazos Toumazou
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis
Location: “Konstantinio” Municipality Park, Athienou village. Larnaka district.
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 113 cm x 48 cm x 48 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The busts were commissioned by the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle (SIMAE), the Athienou Cooperative Bank, and the Athienou EOKA 1955-59 fighters. The unveiling took place on February 10th 2008.
Selected sources:
~Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/6, documents October 20, 2003; November 3, 2003; December 9, 2003; December 16, 2003.
~Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/8, documents November 5, 2004; December 2, 2004.
~Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/13, document August 1, 2006.
Keywords:
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: Panagia Chryseleousa church yard, Athienou village. Larnaka district.
Material: Bronze
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was constructed after an initiative by Major Panayiotis Koumenis between 1970 and 1984. No further information regarding dates is available. The names of the dead are carved on the marble pedestal. What differentiates this memorial from the vast majority of commemorative locations in Cyprus is the modern, abstract sculpted form on the top of the pedestal, where usually national symbols or allegoric features, such as the victory or liberty, are usually placed. Nevertheless the pedestal per se, and furthermore its height, implies respect and authority, underlines the ‘distance’ between the viewers and the object in vision, and obliges them to raise their heads in order to take a close look.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Aradippou village center. Larnaka district.
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 171 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Five busts are the focal points of the memorial. The names of two more dead fighters are written on the commemorative wall. The busts belong to Pantelis Kontos (Παντελής Κοντός), Georgios Ttooulou (Γεώργιος Ττοούλου), Pavlos Mihailas (Παύλος Μιχαηλάς), Marios Siaris (Μάριος Σιαρής) and Tasos Papathanasiou (Τάσος Παπαθανασίου). The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1989 by the “Omonia Aradippou” union and aν ad hoc private committee for the memorial. The cost was covered by private and state funds. The unveiling took place on May 27th 1989.
Selected sources:
~Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 25, 1985, p. 4.
~Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/4, Meeting Minutes May 23, 1985.
Keywords:
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: Outside the Regional Museum of EOKA 1955-59 struggle, Vavla village. Larnaka district.
Dimensions: 185 cm x 41~61 cm x 41~61 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The location of the bust is the exact spot where Michalakis Paridis died in 1958. The memorial was commissioned in 1997 by SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle). The unveiling took place on October 14th 2001.
Selected sources:
~Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/19, document May 8, 1999.
~Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, document June 6, 2008.
~Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document June 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Agia Marina church yard, Troulli village. Larnka district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 226 cm (+20 cm the step) x 51 cm x 51 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned by Zina Kanther in 1962 and the unveiling took place on July 29th of the same year.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Ora village entrance. Larnaka district.
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was funded by the Prefect of Larnaka, the Minister of Interior Affairs Christodoulos Christodoulou, SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle) and the deceased’s family and friends. The unveiling took place on March 17th 2002. The statue was previously situated on a nearby location which was considered as not appropriate after the renovation of the area. The initial unveiling had taken place on April 9th 1978.
Selected sources:
~ Κύπρος (Kypros), April 3, 1978, p. 1.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 10, 1959, p. 2.
~ Μάχη (Mahi), May 19, 1966, p. 3. ~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/17, document November 12, 1998.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/19, document October 25, 1999.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue, Kalo Chorio. Larnaka district.
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was commissioned by the Lysi Municipality during the period in office of A. Ttofia. The Afxentiou’ family participated partially to the expenses. Lysi is situated in the occupied part of Cyprus. Nevertheless, all municipalities and communities in the occupied part operate regularly at the free part of the island, electing their local authorities.
The statue is an exact copy of the one placed at Machairas area, on Troodos Mountain, made by the same sculptor. On the pedestal it is noted that its placement at Kalo Chorio is temporary, until it will be placed in the “liberated Lysi”. The eagle usually accompanies Afxentiou in his depictions because he was also known by his nickname “Golden Eagle of Machairas”.
It is not known at what point the nickname “Golden Eagle of Machairas” was attributed to Afxentiou. A version points to Grivas who supposedly called him “Golden Eagle of Pentadaktylos”. The golden eagle’s (Aquila pennata or Hieraaetus pennatus) natural environment is Pentadaktylos Mountain (in the occupied part of the island), where a certain area is also known as “aetofolia” (eagle’s nest). However, the inscription “Golden Eagle of Machairas” which decorates the pedestal of his bust at the Memorial to the Lakatamia dead and missing (Nicosia district), explicitly links the nickname with Afxentiou extensive activity at Machairas and not at Pentadaktylos.
The unveiling took place on January 16th 1994.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 15, 1994, p. 9.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/11, document June 8, 1993.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle) 17.94.7 vol. 7, September 22, 2005.
Keywords:
Artist: Chrisostomos Perdios
Location: Anafotia village square. Larnaka district
Dimensions: 165 cm x 42 cm x 43 cm
Category: Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to Tasos Konstantinou (Τάσος Κωνσταντίνου) who died during the inter-communal conflicts of 1963-64, and to Michalakis Paridis (Μιχαλάκης Παρίδης) who died during EOKA 1955-59 struggles. It was commissioned by the Anafotia Community Committee and the unveiling seems to have taken place in 1982.
Keywords:
Andreas Karyos Evagoras Papachristoforou
Fotis Pittas Georgios Karyos
Kyriakos Marsis Markos Drakos
Michail Giorgallasn
Artist (for the statue): Giorgos Mavroyenis
Material (of the statue): Bronze
Dimensions (of the statue): Life size
Constructor (for the statue): GBAS Constructions Ltd
Busts: Andreas Karyos (Ανδρέας Κάρυος)
Georgios Karyos (Γεώργιος Κάρυος)
Evagoras Papachristoforou (Ευαγόρας Παπαχριστοφόρου)
Kyriakos Matsis (Κυριάκος Μάτσης)
Michail Giorgallas (Μιχαήλ Γιωργαλλάς)
Markos Drakos (Μάρκος Δράκος)
Fotis Pittas (Φώτης Πίττας)
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Dimensions: 135 cm (+ 22 cm the pedestal) x 45 cm x 45 cm
Kokkinothrimithia detention camp was the place where many of the EOKA 1955-59 fighters were imprisoned and some of them executed. According to the Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle (SIMAE), the number of detained EOKA fighters was more than 3000. The detention camp closed in 1959, when the EOKA guerilla war ended. Until November 1955, when the camp opened, the prisoners were kept at Nicosia central prison and at Kerynia Castle.
The guerrilla fighter statue was donated in 2011 by the artist Giorgos Mavroyenis as homage to the EOKA struggle.The memorial to the 1955-59 political prisoners was commissioned by SIMAE, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Association of Political Prisoners. The unveiling took place on November 2nd 2002.
The initiative for all the busts was taken by the Association of Political Prisoners. SIMAE commissioned those of Andreas and Georgios Karyos, and Fotis Pittas. In the cases of Evagoras Papachristoforou and Kyriakos Matsis, family members (Panayiota Papachristoforou and Yiannakis Matsis, respectively) funded the busts. Faneromenis’ church commissioned Michail Giorgallas’ bust and the Cypriot Workers Confederation (SEK/ΣΕΚ) commissioned Markos Drakos’ bust.
The unveiling of Andreas Karyos, Michail Giorgallas and Markos Drakos busts took place in October 2008, when for the others the official ceremony followed a year later, on November 1st 2009.
Selected sources:
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, documents June 6, 2008; January 11, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, documents June 6, 2008; October 9, 2008; November 14, 2008; Meeting Minutes May 7, 2009; October 9, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.11, document May 12, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Tempria village elementary school. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 158 cm x 44 cm x 37 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken in 1978 by a private ad hoc committee of EOKA members.
Keywords:
Panayiotis Yiorgallidis Alekos Konstantinou
Kostas Anaxagorou Andreas Patsalidis
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Spilia-Kourdali village center. Nicosia district.
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 2.10 meters each statue
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to Andreas Patsalidis (Ανδρέας Πατσαλίδης), Kostas Anaxagorou (Κώστας Αναξαγόρα), Panayiotis Yiorgallidis (Παναγιώτης Γιωργαλλίδης) and Alekos Konstantinou (Αλέκος Κωνσταντίνου) who died at Spilia fight. The initiative for the memorial was taken by an ad hoc private committee. The funding was undertaken by Spilia Community Committee, the Spilia expatriates, private individuals, “Aris” local athletic union and the State. The unveiling took place on September 29th 1991.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), March 31, 1988, p. 3.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/7, document April 10, 1990.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, document June 6, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Polystypos village entrance. Nicosia district
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the Polystypos expatriates association. The unveiling took place on September 21st 1997.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Pedoulas village center. Nicosia district.
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 3 meters
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1981 by an ad hoc private committee. The sculptor, Nikolaos Kotziamanis offered his work in gratis. The unveiling took place on August 23rd 1981.
Selected sources:
~ Κύπρος (Kypros), August 24, 1981, p. 1.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/3, document May 10, 1979.
Keywords:
Artist: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: “Michail Koutsoftas and Andreas Panagidis” Paleometocho lyceum.
Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 138 cm x 39 cm x 28 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the busts was taken in 2003 by a private ad hoc committee “for the preservation of Koutsofta and Panayidis memory”. The unveiling took place on May 18th 2005.
Keywords:
Artist:Unknown
Location: Paleometocho village, adjacent to Panayia Chrisogalaktousa church. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 127 cm x 48 cm x 36 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The first initiative for the memorial was taken in 1961 by Paleometocho community. The work was commissioned to a sculptor from Greece, but no further information is available. The unveiling took place on June 7th 1970. In January 1996 the whole memorial was rearranged.
On the surrounding wall are carved sayings of the two fighters: “For freedom we all raised our chest, mother” («Για την ελευθερία όλοι ανοίξαμε τα στήθη, μητέρα») and “We expect our execution as if it would be the sacred moment of freedom” («Περιμένουμε την ημέρα της εκτελέσεως σαν άγια ώρα της ελευθερίας!»).
Selected sources:
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), August 12, 1961, p. 4.
Keywords:
Artist: Theodoros Vasiliou
Location: Palaichori Orinis entrance. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 159 cm x 111 cm x 159 cm the pedestal
2 meters the statue
Category: Cypriot Women, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The oversized seated mother is the most impressive visual element of this memorial. The massive size and the layout are reminiscent of the colossal Egyptian seated statues. Her heavy body is covered with a long, plain dress and her head is wrapped in a headscarf, typical everyday attire of the peasants who were taking care of the family and assisting with working the fields. Her strictly frontal position, the clear and simple lines and volumes of the stone and the absolute lack of any motion and emotion make her seem disconnected from the dead fighters next to her. Under her feet the two lines from Aggelos Sikelianos poem “Alafroiskiotos”: “Mother you breast fed me with fire turning my heart into a shining star”, underline her role and duty in the Cypriot society.
Michalakis Karaolis (Μιχαλάκης Καραολής), Kyriakos Matsis (Κυριάκος Μάτσης) and Nikos Georgiou’ (Νίκος Γεωργίου) bas reliefs are presented on the nearby commemorative wall.
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1961 by Polykarpos Yiorkatzis, the Paleochori athletic and cultural union (APOP). Zina Kanther funded the memorial. The unveiling took place on November 19th 1961. In 1982 Andros Kazamias undertook the preservation of the statue.
Selected sources:
~ Ελευθερία (Eleftheria), November 22, 1961, p. 2.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), September 5, 1983, p. 3.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 7, 1969, p. 3.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 13, 1993, p. 7.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), November 21, 1961, p. 4.
Keywords:
Artist: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Material: Bronze (the busts and the medals)
Location: Nikitari village. Nicosia village
Dimensions: 136 cm x 40 cm x 305 cm (Spyrou bust). 115 cm (+81 cm the pedestal)
55 cm x 44~74 cm (the bust of the mother)
Category: War Volunteers, Turkish Invasion, National Guard, EOKA 1955-59, Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was initially intended to commemorate only Kostas Spyrou who was killed during the Turkish invasion in 1974. It was subsequently designed to pay respects to all those Nikitari fighters who have died since 1940, including the volunteers during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Spyrou is the only one to be commemorated with a bust.
The Mother’s bust was added in 2006. Under her feet is written: “Mother, lady of Nikitari, lady of freedom, you crown your children as heroes” («Μάνα, κυρά του Νικηταριού, κυρά της λευτεριάς, τα παιδιά σου ήρωες τιμάς»).
The female figure here intentionally keeps an ambiguous identity symbolizing simultaneously the concepts of both motherhood and motherland. Both identities aim to promote and underline the sacrificial nature of motherhood, and the women’s duty to serve and perpetuate the family and the nation.
The memorial was funded by a private ad hoc committee for the Nikitari memorial, the Community Committee, and the Nikitari expatriates union and friends. The unveiling took place on November 26th 2006.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/4, Meeting Minutes October 10, 2002.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Mammari village, opposite “Savvas Rotsidis” association premises.
Nicosia district.
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by Mammari Community Committee and there was a fundraising to cover the construction costs. The unveiling took place on April 7th 1968.
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), April 7, 1968, p. 5.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 27, 1961, p. 5.
Keywords:
Fidias Symeonidis Tryfonas Tryfonas
Artist: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: Outside Lagoudera village. Nicosia district.
Dimensions for both busts: 131 cm x 40~58 cm x 30~49 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59, National Guard, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative and the commission of Fidias Symenonidis’ bust were taken by his EOKA 1955-59 co-fighters in 1989. The bust was delivered in 2001.
The initiative for Tryfonas Tryfonas’ bust was taken by the General Staff of the National Guard in 1984, and the cost was covered through private and state funds. Tryfonas’ bust was delivered in 2002.
Adjacent to their busts a pedestal commemorates the two, listed as missing, Andreas K. Ioannou (Ανδρέας Π. Ιωάννου) and Panayiotis P. Chatzipanayioti (Παναγιώτης Π. Χ’’Παναγιώτη). The dove, symbol of peace and reassurance, nested in a crosswise arrangement of laurel branches, is a widespread symbolism of heroic sacrificial deeds in Cypriot memorials.
Selected sources:
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), January 19, 1984, p. 14.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), December 6, 1989, p. 15.
Keywords:
Photography: Adrienne Christiansen & Evangelia Matthopoulou
Grigoris Afxentiou (Γρηγόρης Αυξεντίου) statue
Machairas Golden Eagle
“Threshing floor and Machairas’ Eagle” Memorial
All three memorial pieces are dedicated to Grigoris Afxentiou, one of the most renowned EOKA 1955-59 fighters. Georgios Grivas (known by the nickname Digenis) personally recruited Afxentiou counting on the invaluable experience he had as a lieutenant in the Greek army, where he served between the years 1948 and 1952. Afxentiou was killed, trapped in his hideout in Machairas area, Troodos Mountain, after a long battle. The British soldiers burned the cave he was hidden in, after his refusal to surrender.
Today, his hideout, close to the monastery, is restored and serves as pilgrimage for Cypriots. It is not known at what point the nickname “Golden Eagle of Machairas” was attributed to Afxentiou. A version points to Georgios Grivas who supposedly called him “Golden Eagle of Pentadaktylos”. The golden eagle’s (Aquila pennata or Hieraaetus pennatus) natural environment is Pentadaktylos Mountain (in the occupied part of the island), where a certain area is also known as “aetofolia” (eagle’s nest). However, the inscription “Golden Eagle of Machairas” which decorates the pedestal of his bust at the Memorial to the Lakatamia dead and missing (Nicosia district), explicitly links the nickname with his extensive activity at Machairas and not at Pentadaktylos.
In February 2006 a museum was inaugurated at Machairas, dedicated to his life and deeds. The material used for all three pieces listed here is brass.
The initiative of Grigoris Afxentiou statue was taken by the artist Nikolaos Kotziamanis and Archbishop Chrisostomos A’, and funded by the Cypriot Church. The oversized statue (7.5 meters in height, initially planned to reach the 20 meters) is placed on a plateau adjacent to Machairas monastery. The unveiling took place on March 1st 1992. According to Kotziamanis it is aspired to “become a universal symbol of freedom and fighting spirit”.
George Kyriacou was the artist who created the golden eagle, an abstractive sculpture of 7 x 7 meters, and the “Threshing floor and Machairas’ Eagle” memorial.
The initiative for the Golden Eagle sculpture was taken in 1971 by the Cypriot Federation of Reserve Officers (POEA/ΠΟΕΑ), the Cypriot Workers Confederation (SEK/ΣΕΚ), and the Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle (SIMAE/ΣΙΜΑΕ). The unveiling took place on March 2nd 1997.
The “Threshing floor and Machairas’ Eagle” memorial is reminiscent of his burned body in life size. Placed in the middle of a circle 12 meters in diameter, paved with marble, it attempts an explicit and implicit reference to the mythical iconic hero of Greek tradition, Digenis Akritas, who legendarily fought with death at the “threshing floors”.
The historic events ignited an abstract, expressionistic formulation of the deformed body, which lie almost dismembered on the bare stone. The textures of the brass further underline the contrast between the materials and the wildness of the natural environment, exacerbating the dramatic feelings.
The initiative for this memorial was taken in 1997 by the Cypriot Federation of Reserve Officers (POEA/ΠΟΕΑ), the Associations of EOKA fighters, and the Cypriot Workers Confederation (SEK/ΣΕΚ).
The Cypriot Chamber of Fine Arts expressed its’ strong opposition with regard to the oversize scale of the statue. Through the press its’ members argued that it is “of barbaric nature and alien to the historical greatness of Greek art”, implying the physical scale of all ancient Greek art and architecture. The family of the dead fighter strongly supported the artist’s proposal and thus, the project was concluded.
The Golden Eagle and the monastery panoramic images are courtesy of Dr. Adrienne Christiansen.
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), August 4, 1972, p. 3.
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), January 28, 2009.
~ Μάχη (Mahi), January 29, 2009, p. 12.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), March 24, 1983, p. 3.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), August 24, 1979, p. 4.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 28, 1989, p. 12.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), November 1, 1989, p. 18.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), November 12, 1989, p. 6
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), November 16, 1989, p. 6.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 30, 1990, p. 10.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), June 30, 1971, p. 8.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), August 4, 1972, p. 1.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/9, document May 19, 1970.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/13, document August 2, 1995.
~ Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle, 17.1.2002, vol. 1-2, documents October 1, 2002; February 22, 2002; February 2, 2009; Meeting Minutes January 12, 2006; June 26, 2008; November 6, 2008; January 29, 2009.
~ Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle, 17.94.7, vol. 7, document March 15, 2005.
~ Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle, 17.2009.10, document February 25, 2009; Meeting Minutes February 12, 2009.
~ Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle, 17.2009.11, document May 12, 2009.
Keywords:
Andreas Zakos Georgios Antoniou
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: On Linou-Flasou road. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 163 cm x 57 cm x 53 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for both busts was taken in 1974 by “Amyna” athletic union. However and according to a press clip, the bust of A. Zakos was unveiled on August 16th 1959. Given that both current busts are of very similar style and dimensions, it is probable that the old bust of Zakos was replaced or rearranged within the shared commemorative place created for the two fighters.
Selected sources:
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), August 18, 1959, p. 2.
Keywords:
Old location
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Kykkos-Throni area, Panayia Kykkos monastery. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 9.5 x 4.3 x 5.5 meters
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Adrienne Christiansen & Evangelia Matthopoulou
This oversized statue of Makarios III is also known as “Colossus” or (unofficially) as “BigMac”. Although Kotziamanis was already working on the models in 1979, the whole construction took a long time in preparation and its placement in the Archbishopric yard, in the old city of Nicosia, happened only on July 24th 1987. The initiative for the statue was taken by Archbishop Chrisostomos I, who apparently acted contrary to the wishes of Nicosia Municipality authorities. The statue was supposed to symbolize “the fights for freedom and justice to the citizens of Cyprus; to become inspiration and guidance for the generations to come, so that they continue his work”
Because “Colossus” location required the displacement and relocation of Archbishop Kyprianos’ bust within the Archbishopric yard, and possibly because of the unavoidable political connotations the statue’s extraordinary size raised, this specific Makarios monument ignited intense controversial debates and extensive press reports. Due to the tension created the initially programmed unveiling for August 3rd was postponed, and eventually cancelled.
An alternative proposal for the statue to be relocated at Throni area, where Makarios III is buried, was already on the table in the beginning of August 1987. The relocation took place only after Chrisostomos II, the new Archbishop, reopened the issue in 2007. The unveiling at the current location took place on August 3rd 2013.
The old location images are available here courtesy of Dr. Adrienne Christiansen.
Selected sources:
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), July 13, 1987.
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), July 17, 1987.
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), September 9, 1987.
~ Επίκαιρη (Epikeri), July 25, 1987.
~ Κήρυκας (Kirykas), July 12, 1987, p. 3.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), July 11, 1987.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), July 12, 1987.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), July 14, 1987.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), July 16, 1987.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), July 25, 1987.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), April 20, 1979, p. 2.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), April 21, 1979, p. 3.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), 27 July, 1987, p. 13.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), July 30, 1987, p. 2.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.1, document February 10, 1981; Meeting Minutes March 23, 1981;
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.2, document July 24, 1987.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.3, documents July 11, 1987; August 27, 1987. August 31, 1987; September 1, 1987; September 7, 1987; September 22, 1987; September 29, 1987.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.5, Meeting Minutes July 22, 1987; September 24, 1987.
Keywords:
Artist: Giorgos Kalakallas
Location: Kato Pyrgos elementary school, Nikolaou Papageorgiou Avenue. Nicosia district.
Dimensions:168 cm x 58 cm x 32 cm (Triteos bust), 168 cm x 57 cm x 32 cm (Nikolaou bust)
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by Eleni Triteou and the SIMAE (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle) and was supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The cost was covered by the SIMAE and through a fundraising coordinated by the families of the dead. The unveiling took place on August 27th 2000.
Keywords:
Andreas Patsalidis Charalambos Pettemeridis
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Adjacent to Panayias church, Kannavia village. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken in 1962 by an ad hoc private committee and SIMAE (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle). In 2009, SIMAE funded the conservation of the statues, necessary due to the gradual erosion over time.
Selected sources:
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document May 12, 2008; Meetings Minutes May 7, 2009; June 11, 2009.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.11, documents May 12, 2009; October 27, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis
Location: Kakopetria village entrance. Nicosia district.
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 172 cm x 75 cm x 55 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Toumazos’ bust is an exact copy of his bust at Episkopi (Limassol district). The initiative for this memorial was taken by Kakopetrias’ PAOK (ΠΑΟΚ) athletic union, SIMAE ( Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle) and Kakopetria Community Committee. The unveiling took place on May 29th 2005.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/9, Meeting Minutes November 29, 1991.
Keywords:
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: Entrance of Kakopetria village. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 151 cm x 79 cm x 79 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The figure is also known as Victory. The implied male fighter is alluded to through the abstract lines and volumes of the sculpture, while the curvy wings could also insinuate a shield, depending on the point of view of the viewer. What is notable in this memorial is the level of abstractness in its forms and volumes, which is remarkably rare in Cypriot memorials and commemorative notions in general.
The memorial was commissioned by SIMAE (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), Kakopetria Community Committees, a private committee for the monument and the Cypriot Workers Confederation (SEK/ΣΕΚ). The unveiling took place on June 27th 1993.
Keywords:
Artist: George Kyriacou
Location: Area “Saranta-Mili” (40th-Mile), Kakopetria-Troodos road. Nicosia district.
Material: Bronze
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
With the exception of the archaic helmet and the shield, and unlike the commemorative tradition in Cyprus, the figure is depicted in a remarkably abstract way, as an ideogram of all male fighters. However, the visual reference to these two items, secure the respect to the ancestral tradition, balancing the bold aesthetic result of the statue.
The statue was commissioned by SIMAE (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), the Kakopetria Community Committee, a private committee for the memorial and the Cypriot Workers Confederation (SEK/ΣΕΚ). The unveiling took place on June 27th 1993.
Keywords:
Artist: Andros Kazamias
Location: Opposite Panayia Odigitria church, Galata village. Nicosia district.
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 5 meters in height
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bas relief on the front of the pillar depicts two empty shirts, an idea drawing its origins from Giorgos Seferis’ poem “Eleni”.
The memorial is dedicated to Chrysanthos Mylonas ((Χρύσανθος Μυλωνάς) and Evagoras Papachristoforou (Ευαγόρας Παπαχριστοφόρου) who died during the EOKA 1955-59 struggles; to Andreas Yeroudis (Ανδρέας Γερούδης) who died during the Inter-communal conflicts of 1964; to Georgios Zaharia (Γεώργιος Ζαχαρία) who died during the Turkish invasion; and to Panayiotis Athanasiou (Παναγιώτης Αθανασίου). It was commissioned in 1985 by Galata Community Committee and the architect Iakovos Filippou who collaborated with Andros Kazamias for the construction.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/11, document May 23, 1985.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Dymiotis
Location: Morfou Diocese premises, Evrychou village. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 118 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned in 1980 by the Morfou Diocese and the unveiling took place on August 3rd 1983.
Keywords:
Artist: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: Tamasos and Orinis Diocese, Episkopio village. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 127 cm x 52 cm x 42 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for Stylianidis bust was taken by an ad hoc group of EOKA fighters and the unveiling took part on July 3rd 2011. The initiative for Katelaris bust was taken by “Pantelis Katelaris” association and the unveiling took place on November 8th 2009. Next to them there is a pedestal dedicated to the, listed as missing, Nikos Petridis (Νίκος Πετρίδης).
Selected sources:
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.94.7, vol. 7, document March 2, 2005.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document November 14, 2008; Meeting Minutes December 13, 2007.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008, Meeting Minutes May 13, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Center of Episkopio village. Nicosia district.
Material: Marble
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the local association “Pantelis Katelaris”. There is no further information on the dates of the construction.
The memorial is overloaded with aesthetic (and ideological) references to the Greek ancestral cultural tradition. The pillars are situated on elaborate bases and are crowned with a palmette and an arbitrary combination of architectural decorative motifs in Ionic order. On the front view the angel alludes to the ancient flying Eros. However, the wreath on its left hand, the laurel branches and the Greek flags that frame the black and white photograph of the deceased underneath its feet, explicitly promotes the heroic glorification following the Greek tradition of commemoration.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Georgiou Karyou St.. Astromeritis village. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 132 cm x 56 cm x 43 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
It is unknown when the bust was commissioned. No further information is available.
Keywords:
Artists: Nikolaos Kotziamanis (the statue), Kyriakos Tamanas (the mosaics)
Location: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Akaki village. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 3.65 meters
Category: Cypriot Church, EOKA 1955-59, Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Makarios’ III statue, standing on a pedestal, is symmetrically flagged by two mosaic walls behind him. The inscription “Peoples who want to live, and who fight to live, do not perish” («Δεν χάνονται οι λαοί που θέλουν να ζήσουν και αγωνίζονται να ζήσουν») specifies in an eloquent way the visual descriptions of the mosaic panels. Both of them narrate in a fragmented synthesis the suffering of the Cypriot people, the wailing and mourning of the mothers and wives, and the despair of the soldiers. The wires and the prison bars create further emotionally charged connotations, adding symbolic value to the pictures.
The memorial was commissioned by the expatriates from Akaki leaving in London, the Kykkos monastery, the Cypriot government, the Cypriot Archdiocese, and Akaki community. The unveiling took place on October 19th 1986.
Selected sources:
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), October 19, 1986, p. 20.
~ Φιλελεύθερος, (Fileleftheros), October 19, 1986, p. 1.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Adjacent to Agioi Thrimithias village elementary school. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze (on a granite base)
Dimensions: Life size
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Pallikaridis was the last Cypriot EOKA fighter to be executed by the British authorities. He was hanged at Nicosia central prison on March 14th 1957.
The initiative for the statue was taken in 1997 by Agioi Thrimithia community’s youth union and Agioi Thrimithia’s Community Committee.
On the wall next to Pallikaridis statue a plaque commemorates the listed as missing Loizos Chatziprokopiou (X’’Προκοπίου).
The unveiling took place on March 14, 1999.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: “Omonia” union premises, Agia Varvara. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 124 cm x 55 cm x 55~82 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken by the deceased’s family and “Hytri” Kythreas athletic union. The unveiling took place on October 16th 1994.
It is noted that X’’ is an abbreviation of Chatzi- in some family names.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Agia Marina church, Agia Marian Xyliatou village. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Ιnter-communal conflicts 1963-64
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken in 1970 by an ad hoc committee and was commissioned by Agia Marina Community Committee. The unveiling took place on April 8th 1984.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 3, 1970, p. 1.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/8, document March 3, 1970.
Keywords:
Artist: Giorgos Kalakallas
Location: Adjacent to Kissonerga community playground. Pafos district.
Dimensions: 75cm (+53 cm the pedestal) x 65 cm x 65 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The busts were commissioned by SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle) and the unveiling of the memorial took place on November 24th 2002.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/20, Meeting Minutes March 13, 2000.
Keywords:
Artist: Kostas Ikonomou, Nikos Garyfalakis (for Pallikaridis bust)
Location: Panagia Chryseleousa church yard. Pafos district.
Material: Marble (for the bust)
Dimensions: 123 cm x 45 cm x 34 cm (for the bust)
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to Andreas Christodoulou (Ανδρέας Χριστοδούλου), Vladimiros Irakleous (Βλαδίμηρος Ηρακλέους) and Evagoras Pallikaridis (Ευαγόρας Παλληκαρίδης). It was commissioned by Tsada Youth Center and the unveiling took place in August 14th 1998.
The nearby pre-existing bust was commissioned in 1961 by Evagoras Pallikaridis’ family and the unveiling took place in May 13th 1962.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 23, 1961, p. 1.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Panagia Odigitria church yard, Polemi village. Pafos district.
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 184 cm x 44 cm x 44 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Aetofolia area, Peristerona Chrysochou community. Pafos district.
Material:Stone
Dimensions: 162 cm x 96 cm x 96 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 Struggle). Pallikaridis was the last Cypriot EOKA fighter to be executed by the British authorities. He was hanged at Nicosia central prison on March 14th 1957.
Keywords:
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis
Location: Agios Kalandionas church yard. Pafos district.
Dimensions: 151 cm x 53 cm x 53 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle). It is dedicated to Iakovos Christodoulidis (Ιάκωβος Χριστοδουλίδης), Charalambos Filippidis (Χαράλαμπος Φιλιππίδη), Georgios Papaveikou (Γεώργιος Παπαβερκίου) and Dimitris Georgiou Touttoulou (Δημήτρης Γεωργίου Τουττούλου).
The busts were delivered by the sculptor in 2007 and the unveiling of the monument took place in December 2009.
Selected sources:
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, Meeting Minutes May 13, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, Meeting Minutes May 7, 2009.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.11, document May 12, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Vasos Falireas
Location: Panagia elementary school. Pafos district.
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 152 cm x 39 cm x 30 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned by Mouskou family and the unveiling took place in 1960.
Keywords:
Artist: Marios Garyfalakis
Location: Panagia elementary school. Pafos district.
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 139 cm x 44 cm x 31 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Keywords:
Artist: Vasos Falireas
Location: Historical Cultural Center Archbishop Makarios III, Panagia village.
Pafos district.
Dimensions: 3 meters
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was commissioned by the Panagia Community and the unveiling took place on August 3rd 1982.
Selected sources:
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), December 24, 1980, p. 8.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Michailidis
Location: Agios Minas church yard. Pafos district.
Dimensions: 150 cm x 78 cm x 78 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to Vasos Panayi (Βάσος Παναγή), Georgios Anastasiou (Γεώργιος Αναστασίου) and Georgios Stylianou (Γεώργιος Στυλιανού). It was commissioned by SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle) and the unveiling took place on November 7th 2010.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee), 14.3.01/2, Meeting Minutes November 11, 2001.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, Meetings Minutes January 31, 2008; March 13, 2008; May 13, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, documents September 1, 2009; October 27, 2009; Meeting Minutes June 11, 2009.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.11, documents June 12, 2009; October 27, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Giorgos Kalakallas
Location: Mesogi square. Pafos district.
Dimensions: 152 cm x 64 cm x 36 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by SIMAE (Board for the Historical memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), Artemis Pouroulli, the Church Committee, the Community Committee and his co-fighters. The unveiling took place in 1999.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Panayia Chriseleousa yard, Koili village. Pafos district.
Dimensions: 2 meters x 65 ~ 80 cm x 65 ~ 80 cm
Category: War Volunteers, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to the Koili EOKA dead fighters, and to those who were killed during the Greek Independence War of 1821, the Balkan Wars, the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1922 and the Second World War. It was commissioned by the Koili expatriates association. The unveiling took place on July 8th 2001.
Although the bust has no title and therefore its meaning is open to interpretations, the helmet indicates goddess Athena. This head is an exact copy of Athens’ head at the memorial to the EOKA 1955-59 dead at Agios Pavlos church in Nicosia, known also as “Liberty Monument”. Both are made by the same artist. Strong necks support the goddesses’ heads and their facial traits appear more masculine than feminine, despite their long hair. The placement of the laurel wreath on the helmet in both cases is not a familiar aesthetic formulation or symbolism for Athena, but eloquently reflects the intentions of the sculpture’s commissioners.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), July 9, 2001, p. 3.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Kissonerga community playground. Pafos district.
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Zina Kanther commissioned the memorial and the unveiling took place in 1962.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/20, Meeting Minutes March 16, 2000.
Keywords:
Artists: Leonidas Spanos (for Charalambos Kalaitzis bust), Kypros Perdios (for Georgios Kleanthous bust)
Location: Panayia Evaghelistria church yard, Kathikas village. Pafos district.
Material: Granite, stone and marble
Dimensions: 145 cm x 39 cm x 39 cm
Category: ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Kalaitzis bust was commissioned by the Kathikas Community and the unveiling took place in 1990. Kalaitzis died during the EOKA 1955-59 struggle.
Kleanthous’ bust was commissioned by Kleanthous’ family and the unveiling took place in 1990. Kleanthous died during the Turkish invasion in 1974.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), April 29, 1990, p. 3.
Keywords:
Artist: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: Apostle Andreas church yard, Empa village. Pafos district.
Material: (of the bust) Copper
Dimensions : (of the bust)144 cm x 39 cm x 34 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, 1974 Coup, Turkish Invasion, War Volunteers (Second World War).
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by the Empa Community and the unveiling took place on May 25th 2008. The bust was commissioned by SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), and an ad hoc private committee for the Christoforou memorial and the unveiling took place on November 11th 2008.
Selected sources:
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, Meeting Minutes April 10, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document November 14, 2008; Meeting Minutes October 9, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Chlorakas Agios Georgios church yard. Pafos district.
Dimensions: 167 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The unveiling of the memorial took place on June 5th 2011. On a nearby commemorative plaque is quoted a note of General Georgios Grivas, dated August1971: “I remember him the night of my disembarking at Chlorakas coast. During my short stay there he was overwhelmed with joy with my call to arms”.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/11, Meeting Minutes June 28, 1993.
Keywords:
old location
Artists for the Monument for Memory and Honor:
Sculptor: Nikos Kouroussis, Architect: Margarita Danou
Artist for Georgios Grivas (Γεώργιος Γρίβας) statue:
Theodoulos Theodoulou
Artist for the reliefs: Evangelos Moustakas
Artist for the paintings: Andreas Makariou
Location: Chlorakas coast, Agios Georgios/Alyki location. Pafos district.
Dimensions: 14 meters, + 1.5 meter the stainless steel rays of the Monument
2.5 meters the Grivas statue
Category: EOKA 1955-59, Modern sculpture
Photography: Adrienne Christiansen & Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initial planning and the meetings for the construction of an extensive memorial area started in 1993 among SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggles), Chlorakas community and the EOKA 1955-59 Fighters’ Union. The memorial area commemorates two historical events. The first is the arrival of Georgios Grivas (known as Grivas Digenis) at Chlorakas on November 11, 1954 with a view to organize and lead EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters) guerilla struggle. The second is the capture of “Agios Georgios” boat by the British soldiers on January 25, 1955. The arrangement of the place would include the already existing small museum where “Agios Georgios” boat was kept. The artistic proposals were submitted to the special committee SIMAE created for this specific reason.
Kouroussis’ Monument to Memory and Honor was placed at the exact place where George Grivas disembarked marking the start of EOKA struggle. According to the artist’s initial description, the two pillars, made of cement and coated with bronze, originate from the shape and symbolic function of a belfry – as a call to arms – while the stainless steel rays on the top would depict a ship. His proposal was promoted in November 1996 as the most appropriate of all submissions for consideration. Nevertheless during the process of the construction the ship depiction was abandoned by Kouroussis and the abstract arrangement of rays took its place. The unveiling of the Monument took place on November 26th 2000.
Georgios Grivas statue was commissioned by SIMAE; the General Georgios Grivas Digenis Foundation; and the EOKA 1955-59 Fighters Union. It is an exact copy of Georgios Grivas’ statue at Limassol, made by the same artist, Theodoulos Theodoulou. The unveiling took place on November 26th 2000.
The statue was initially placed in front of the Monument to Memory and Honor. After intense protests by the artist Nikos Kouroussis and the architect Margarita Danou, it was moved and placed close to the nearby commemorative wall.
The reliefs on the commemorative wall that connect the monument with the museum are sculpted on white marble by the Greek sculptor Evangelos Moustakas. They narrate the arrival of Grivas, the weapons’ transportation and the capture of “Agios Georgios” boat. They were commissioned by SIMAE and the EOKA 1955-59 Fighters Union.
After its capture, “Agios Georgios” boat was sold by the British in 1960 in an auction. The Mayor of Pafos, following Makarios’ III instructions, bought the boat and placed it in a covered area, constructed for that purpose. This initial construction was renovated and expanded in 1994 and, again, in 2000. Today it is named ”Agios Georgios Boat Museum”. In addition to the boat, inside the museum remnants of the guerrilla guns and ammunition are displayed, while black and white photographs of EOKA fighters decorate part of the walls around the boat. The paintings on the walls follow a distinct aesthetic of socialist realism and capture such symbols as the Greek flag and the cross; figures of the crew; “Agios Georgios” boat; “Sirin” ship (with which Georgios Grivas arrived in Cyprus in November 1954); and stylized scenes of the debarkation.
Approximately 200 meters from Alyki location where Georgios Grivas disembarked in 1954, Zina Kanther built a small chapel dedicated to Saint George. The Diocese of Pafos commissioned the frescoes made by George and Alexander Konstantinidis.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), August 26, 1993, p. 17.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), June 14, 1996, p. 16.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), July 5, 1996, p. 11.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), November 10, 1998, p. 2.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), November 27, 2000, p. 10.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/13, Meeting Minutes November 8, 1995.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/14, Meeting Minutes May 3, 1996.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/16, Meeting Minutes February 25, 1998.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/18, document December 11,1998.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee), 14.3.01/5, document February 27, 2003.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.9, documents January 11, 2008; June 6, 2008; Meeting Minutes May 13, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, document April 16, 2009; Meeting Minutes April 26, 2002; April 9, 2009; May 7, 2009.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.11, documents May 12, 2009; June 12, 2009; October 27, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Agia Marina church yard, Anarita. Pafos district.
Material: Copper
Dimensions: 2.10 meters high (+ 60 cm the pedestal)
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue is placed in the same spot where a cenotaph along with a commemorative stele for the hero preexisted. Because of lack of space in the church yard, the older commemorative parts were moved and repositioned at the village cemetery. The statue was commissioned by SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), by the family, the local church and the Anarita community. The unveiling took place on October 26, 2008.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments Committee), 14.3.01/9, Meeting Minutes March 17, 2003.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments Committee), 14.3.01/14, document August 2, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.94.7 vol. 7, documents: December 15, 2004; July 5, 2006; July 31, 2006; September 15, 2006; Meetings Minutes March 17, 2005; March 30, 2004; September 14, 2008.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle) 17.2008.9, document June 2008; Meetings Minutes April 10, 2008; September 14, 2006.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle) 17.2009.10, document October 9, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Amargeti village square. Pafos district.
Material: Marble and brass
Category: EOKA 1955-59, 1974 Coup, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to Sokratis Chatzievaghelou (Σωκράτης Χ’’Ευαγγέλου) who died during the 1955-59 struggles of EOKA; to Athanasios Christoforou (Αθανάσιος Χριστοφόρου) who died during the 1974 coup; and to Arestis Panayiotou (Αρέστης Παναγιώτου) and Yiannakis Georgiou (Γιαννάκης Γεωργίου) who are listed as missing. The unveiling of the monument seems to have taken place in 1994. It is noted that in family names the X’’ is an abbreviation of Chatzi-.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee), 14.3.01/14, document May 21, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Polis Chrysochou high school. Pafos district.
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 183 cm x 43 cm
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust was commissioned in 1978 by the teachers’ association and the committee of high school student councils. It was exhibited at a Pan Cypriot Art Exhibition which took place in January 1979 and was dedicated to Makarios III.
Keywords:
Artists: Unknown (for Stylianou), Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos (for Rossidi)
Location: Apostle Andreas church yard at Polis Chrysochou. Pafos district.
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 155 cm x 36 cm (Stylianou’ bust), 136 cm x 40 cm (Rossidi’ bust)
Category: EOKA 1955-59, National Guard
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to Georgios Stylianou (Γεώργιος Στυλιανού) and to Antonis Fivou Rossidi (Αντώνης Φοίβου Ρωσσίδη). Stylianou’ bust was commissioned in 1960 by the Greek Cypriots from Polis Chrysochou living in Darwin, Australia. According to sources the sculptor was from Athens, Greece.
Antonis Fivou Rossidi was member of the National Guard. His bust was commissioned in 2003. No further information on Rossidi’s commissioners is available.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 27, 1960, p. 6.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Michailidis
Location: Polis Chrysochou high school. Pafos district.
Material: Stone
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Nikos Michailidis was a teacher at Polis Chrysochou’ high school and his monument is dedicated to the students who died during the EOKA 1955-59 struggles.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Evagoras Pallikaridis Association Building, Evagoras Pallikaridis Avenue, Pafos Municipality. Pafos district.
Dimensions: 189 cm x 64 cm x 47 cm
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust is an exact copy of Pallikaridis’ head, made by Kotziamanis for Pallikaridis statue at Pafos. It was funded by Loukas Pouroullis, a Cypriot expatriate living in Africa, major contributor of “Evagoras Pallikaridis” association. The unveiling took place on July 26th 2006.
Another identical bust is situated in the military camp at Pafos (Anarita Recruitment Center), by the same artist.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/19, documents September 8, 1999; September 14, 1999.
Keywords:
Artist: Loukia Georganti
Location: Adjacent to Nikolaidio high school, Georgios Grivas Digenis Avenue, Pafos Municipality. Pafos district.
Material: Marble
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Adrienne Christiansen & Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to Pafos high school students, Charalampos Mouskos (Χαράλαμπος Μούσκος), Georgios Papaverkiou (Γεώργιος Παπαβερκίου) and Evagoras Pallikaridis (Ευαγόρας Παλληκαρίδης). It was commissioned by Pafos high school after the initiative of the headmaster, Pavlos Pavlidis. The unveiling took place on May 13th 1962.
Keywords:
Artist: Apostolos Fanakidis
Place: Georgios Grivas Digenis Avenue, entrance of Pafos city. Pafos district.
Material: Stone
Dimensions: 5 x 5 meters (the head of Makarios)
Category: Cypriot Church, Public Figures, EOKA 1955-59, Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, Inter-communal conflicts 1967, 1974 Coup, Turkish Invasion
Photograph: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned in 1992 by a private committee for the Makarios III-Resistance Memorial. Around Makarios’ over-sized head a series of plaques bear the names of all the dead fighters from Pafos since 1955. The unveiling took place on June 16th 1996.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), December 8, 1991, p. 10.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), November 20, 1994, p. 31.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), June 17, 1996, p. 3.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Πάφου (Pafos Municipality Archive), 12.96, documents December 11, 1992; June 8, 1993; June 2, 1994; November 30, 1995; November 6, 1996; November 29, 2006; February 1999; Meeting Minutes December 10, 1992.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: EOKA Park, Ellados Avenue, Pafos Municipality, Pafos district.
Material: Bronze
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by SIMAE (Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA `955-59 struggle), Pafos Municipality and “Evagoras Pallikaridis” Cultural association. It is dedicated to the seventeen EOKA dead fighters from Pafos district. The memorial is situated at “Dasoudi” Municipality Park, a location on the way to Tsada village, coming from Pafos, which was renamed as “EOKA 1955-59 Heroes Park” in 2009. The unveiling took place on June 14th 2009.
Selected sources:
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2009.10, documents April 16, 2009; June 14, 2009; Meeting Minutes April 9, 2009; May 7, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Opposite Nikolaidio high school, Georgios Grivas Digenis Avenue,
Pafos Municipality. Pafos district.
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 3 meters
Category: EOKA 1955-59
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Pallikaridis was the last Cypriot EOKA fighter to be executed by the British authorities. He was hanged at Nicosia central prison on March 14th 1957.
“Evagoras Pallikaridis” sports club took the initiative for the memorial in 1986 and it was funded by Loukas Pouroullis, a Cypriot expatriate in Africa. Its’ placement opposite Nikolaidio high school (where Pallikaridis had been a student) raised objections among the Municipality’s authorities because of the incongruity with the already existing buildings.
An alternative location was proposed at “Dasoudi” area on the way to Tsada village, where Pallikaridis was detained. “Evagoras Pallikaridis” sports club members and his family, who supported the school area proposal, argued that a location at the center of the city was appropriate for his significance and the spot, being in visual contact with the school, would constantly remind and teach students of patriotic values. The unveiling took place on March 11th 1990 at the initially suggested (by his co-fighters) location opposite Nikolaidio high school.
Pallikaridis’ slightly modified words are written on the statue’s low pedestal:
“I will follow an uphill; I will follow paths; I will find the stairs that lead to freedom”. (Θα πάρω μια ανηφοριά, θα πάρω μονοπάτια, θα βρω τα σκαλοπάτια που παν στη λευτεριά).
