Artist: Theodoulos Gregoriou
Location: 6 Deligiorgi St., Audit Office of the Republic of Cyprus building, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The artwork was placed at the entrance of the building in 2007. It was commissioned by the Audit Office following the 1992 state law which requires all state entities to invest 1% of their annual budget in artworks which will be placed in their premises.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Kampi Farmaka park. Nicosia district.
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was funded by state and local private sources. No further information is available. The unveiling took place on June 26th 2011.
Keywords:
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: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: General Headquarters of the National Guard, Lemesou Avenue, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Category: National Guard
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the statue was taken in 2003 by the Pan-Cypriot Association of Reservist Commandos, and the Greek Cypriot Association of Reservist Commandos in England. The unveiling took place on October 2nd 2004 in front of the Military Police premises, at Archbishop Makarios III Avenue (Aglandjia) where the statue was initially placed. In 2011, following the abandonment of Military Police premises, the statue was transferred to General Headquarters of the National Guard.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Kyprianou
Location: Entrance of the International Conference Center, Aglandjia. Nicosia district.
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The artwork was placed at the entrance of the building in 2012. It was commissioned following a 1992 state law which requires all state entities should invest 1% of their annual budget in artworks which will be placed in their premises.
This artwork was commissioned for the Cypriot presidency of the EU in 2012. The artist uses the 27 wheels to symbolically represent the EU members which are interconnected in such a way that the rotation of one of them has a direct impact on the rest.
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:
Alliance Citius, Altius, Fortius
Blue Paralympics Boxer
Collective Dream Free as the Wind
Japanese Girl With Ribbon
Olympic Spirit Stainless Dreams
Synchronized Swimming Without an end
Afanis Armonie
Afanis Armonie
General view of Olympic Hall Sculptures
Olympic Hall Sculptures
Olympic premises, Amphipolis Avenue, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the artworks was taken in 2006 by the Cyprus Olympic Committee.
Today, twelve artworks made by eleven Cypriot or Cypriot based artists are placed on the ground floor of the Cyprus Olympic premises. All of them refer to the Olympic spirit. In addition to the Cyprus Olympic Committee, each artwork was sponsored by a private entity.
In front of the Olympic premises is placed Philippos Yiapanis’ Olympic Spirit. The unveiling took place on June 10th 2010. This artwork is the only one commissioned entirely by the Cypriot Olympic Committee.
Title: Alliance
Artist: Theodoulos Gregoriou
Sponsor: Associations of ΕΟΚΑ 1955-59 fighters
Title: Synchronized Swimming
Artist: Klitsa Antoniou
Sponsor: Nikolas K. Shacolas
Title: Free as the Wind
Artist: Maria Papacharalambous
Sponsor: Aristo Developers
Title: Japanese Girl with Ribbon
Artist: Athina Antoniadou
Sponsor: Louis Group
Title: Blue Paralympics
Artist: Lia Lapithi Soukiouroglou
Sponsor: Amberia Global Ventures Ltd
Title: Stainless Dreams
Artist: Helene Black
Material: Stainless steel
Sponsor: Strovolos Cooperative Bank
Title: Citius, Altius, Fortius
Artist: Helene Black
Material: Stainless steel, laminated glass, solar beads, UV fluorescent light
Dimensions: 195 cm x 115 cm x 35cm
Sponsor: Stelios and Chrysi Aggelodimou family
Citius, Altius, Fortius was the ancient Olympic games’ motto for all the athletes. It means Quicker, Higher and Stronger, and underlines the value of personal achievements and completion.
Title: Afanis Armonie (Αφανής Αρμονίη)
Artist: Nikos Kouroussis
Sponsor: Laiki Group
The title “Hidden Harmony” (Αφανής Αρμονίη) makes part of Heraclitus’ sayings. Kouroussis artwork attempts to highlight the importance of that ancient Greek value in everyday life.
Title: Boxer
Artist: Giorgos Kypris
Sponsor: Laiki Group
Mohamed Ali was the inspiring model for Giorgos Kypris’ work who attempts to capture the athlete’s rhythm through the repetition of the form.
Title: Collective Dream
Artist: Melita Couta
Sponsor: Phanos N. Epiphaniou Ltd
Melita Kouta’s work comments the power of the social body to encourage the athletes’ efforts.
Title: Without an end
Artist: Achilleas Kentonis
Sponsor: Hellenic Petroleum Cyprus (EKO) Ltd
Kentonis comments the athletic arena as the meeting point of humans’ best intentions and efforts.
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: Georgios Bonanos
Location: Panayia Chriseleousa Church, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Category: Cypriot Church, Public sculpture before 1960
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Archbishop Kyprianos was hanged on July 9th 1821 in Nicosia with the accusation that Cypriots disobeyed the direct order of the Turkish Sultan to stay neutral from the Greek War of Independence.The event marked the beginning of a growing separation between the two cultural and religious communities of the island.
The initiative for the bust was taken by Strovolos community in 1928 on the occasion of 100 years of the Greek state independence. The community authorities coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place in 1929.
Selected sources:
~ Ελευθερία (Eleftheria), July 18, 1928, p. 2.
~ Φωνή της Κύπρου (Foni tis Kyprou), July 21, 1928, p. 3.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: The English School, Strovolos. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 143 cm x 58 cm x 57 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Canon Frank Darvall Newham was the founder and the headmaster of the English School in Nicosia. The bust was commissioned by the English School.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Maronite Diocese, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 143 cm x 72 cm x 72 cm
Category: Maronites, Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Bishop Phoradaris was the head of the Maronite community in Cyprus. Ioannis Phoradaris represented the Maronites in the Cypriot Parliament. The busts were commissioned by the Bishop Ioannis Phoradaris Foundation. The unveiling took place on April 21st 2007.
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: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: Cultural Athletic union of Kythrea (PAOK) premises, Stavrou Avenue, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by the cultural Athletic union of Kythrea (PAOK) and the unveiling took place on May 2nd 2010. Kythrea community is located in the occupied area but continues to elect its authorities in the free part of the island, as all occupied municipalities and communities still do on a regular basis.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/3, document April 18, 2002.
Keywords:
Artist: Panayiotis Panayi Pasantas
Location: Grigoris Afxentiou St., Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 2.50 meters
Category: Union (énosis)
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by an ad hoc private committee. The unveiling took place on November 3rd 2007.
According to the competition call: “the wining proposal should highlight the sacrificial and fighting spirit, and the passion for freedom. It should express the authentic ideals of October 1931 that led to the spontaneous rebellion of the enslaved Greek Cypriots longing for freedom and official union with Greece”.
Panayiotis Panayi Pasantas in his submitted description notes that his male statue, with the clenched fist and the haughty look, stares to the future with optimism, pride and patriotism calling all Greek Cypriots to line with him, while its height and the surrounding architectural construction impose their presence, underlining these concepts.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/4, July 14, 2002.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/6, document February 3, 2004.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/13, January 31, 2007.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/14, document June 19, 2007.
Keywords:
Artist: Takis Ilia
Location: “Pharos” national union premises, Trooditissis and Athalassas streets, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Category: Inter-communal conflicts1963-64
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken in 2001 by the “Pharos” national union who coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on January 25th 2003.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/2, document October 12, 2001.
Keywords:
Artist: Levon Tokmadjian
Location: Nareg Armenian School, Armenia Avenue, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Sandstone
Category: Armenians
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The unveiling took place on March 24th 1991.
Selected sources:
~ Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra, “Armenian Monuments in Cyprus”, Artsakank, September 2010, p. 15.
Keywords:
Artist: Mgrdich Mazmanian
Location: Nareg Armenian School, Armenias Avenue, Strovolos. Niosia district
Material: Bronze
Category: Armenians
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The bust of the Armenian Bishop was donated to the Armenian community in Cyprus in 2004 by the Italian Armenian Aleco Bezigian. The unveiling took place on May 1st 2005.
Selected sources:
~ Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra, “Armenian Monuments in Cyprus”, Artsakank, September 2010, p. 15.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Thymopoulos (for A.K. Dianellou) and Ioannis Notaras (for E.A. Theodotou)
Location: Dianellos and Theodotou high school, Ayias Paraskevis St., Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 2 meters (the pedestals)
Category: Cypriot Women, Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Dianellos and Theodotou high school function in the same premises of the former Nicosia Greek Orphanage. Athina Dianellou and her sister Evgenia Theodotou are considered to be two of the most important benefactors in Cyprus, supporting financially schools and charitable institutions. Evgenia Theodotou’ bust was commissioned in 1959 and the unveiling took place on June 24th 1961.
Selected sources:
~ Ελευθερία (Eleftheria), June 25, 1961.
~ Αντώνιος & Ευγενία Θεοδότου. Οι άνθρωποι και το έργο τους (Antonios & Evgenia Theodotou. People and their deeds). Cyprus Bank Historical Archive, Nicosia: 2011.
Keywords:
Artist: Dimitris Constantinou
Location: Siakolas Health Educational Central, Lemesos Avenue, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Steel
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The artwork was commissioned in 2004 by Nikos K. Siakolas and it was placed in 2006.
Keywords:
Artist: Philippos Yiapanis
Location: Cypriot Workers Confederation (SEK) premises, Strovolos Avenue. Nicosia district
Category: Workers’ movement
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The monument was commissioned by the Cypriot Workers Confederation (SEK). The unveiling took place on January 25th 2003.
Although the monument claims to celebrate a workers’ victory, the broken chain and the torch between the two figures bears direct implications to the national victories. Whatever the celebration is, the overflowing sentiment here is illustrated through the intense diagonal lines of the male and the female bodies, the stretching of her limbs and the playful mood of the child. In contrast to the norm, this woman is the only one depicted in public sculpture in Cyprus, along with Eleni Siakola, to wear ordinary modern clothes and thus appears part of a contemporary community.
Keywords:
Artists: Maria Loizidou
Location: Ministry of Transport, Department of Public Works, Strovolos Avenue. Nicosia district
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The work was commissioned in 1999 by the Department of Public Works. Maria Loizidou is one of the most renowned contemporary Cypriot artists with international presence. Her work explores issues of memory and time in a rather poetic manner, mainly as a result of the materials she uses and her seemingly fragile forms.
Keywords:
Artist: Theodoulos Theodoulou
Location: The Mother square, Siakolas Commercial Park, Athalassa area, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 2.56 meters (with the pedestal)
Category: Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
In 2006-2007 Nikos K. Shacolas submitted to the Advisory Monuments’ Committee his proposal for a sculpture dedicated to the memory of his mother Eleni.
“The Mother” overturns all visual connotations applied to Cypriot mothers. Because of its individual character it is the only public depiction of a mother as a charming young woman joyfully playing with her children, exposing her body in a carefree manner, and ignoring altogether the conformism of the implicit or explicit heroic commemorations.
That exception proves the power of the prevailing female stereotypes in Cyprus. The snapshot impression this memorial evokes was allowed for the reason that it is not making part of the nationalistic iconology. The elimination of this parameter permitted the individual facial traits, the emergence of personal emotions, and the fluid, relaxed movement of the body. Among all female representations in commemorative public sculpture in Cyprus this is the only case of a woman with an individual identity who vindicates the right to be herself, indifferent to society’s gaze.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/12, document June 7, 2006.
Keywords:
Artist: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: Archbishop Kyprianos Lyceum, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Category: Cypriot Church
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 2006 by the Archbishop Kyprianos Lyceum graduates of 1976, who coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on March 24th 2006.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/10, document December 21, 2005.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/11, document January 13, 2006.
Keywords:
Artist: Costas Varotsos
Location: Central Offices of former Popular (Laiki) Bank of Cyprus, Athalassas Avenue, Strovolos. Nicosia district.
Material: Stainless steel and glass
Dimensions: 12 meters
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The artwork was commissioned in 1995 by the former Popular (Laiki) Bank of Cyprus (since April 2013 Bank of Cyprus).
Costas Varotsos, one of the most renowned Greek sculptors of his generation, used the diagonal form and the spiral of the glass arrangement to capture the power of evolution, motion and advancement of the contemporary Cypriot society.
“Anelixis” is Varotsos’ second public artwork in Cyprus: his “Poet”, made in 1983, is placed at Ammochostos Gate, the eastern entrance to the old city, close to the Green Line.
Keywords:
Artist: Christos Lanitis
Location: KPMG offices, 14 Esperidon St., Strovolos. Nicosia district
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
It was commissioned by the Cyprus Branch of KPMG, an international consulting company.
Keywords:
Artist: Beverly Pepper
Location: American Heart Institute/American Medical Center, Spyros Kyprianou Avenue, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Corn-ten Steel
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The artwork is site specific; it was commissioned by the American Heart Institute and placed at the Medical Centre’s premises in 2010.
Beverly Pepper has worked on versions of this subject, already exhibited at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, Ralph Klein Legacy Park, and Banker’s Court, Calgary, (Alberta, Canada).
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: Helene Black
Location: Hellenic Bank Head offices, Athalassas Avenue, Strovolos. Nicosia district
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 3 meters the diameter x 2 meters in height
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The artwork is an in situ piece, especially designed for the Hellenic Bank Head Offices. It was commissioned in 2003 and includes motion through light sensitivity, so it opens with daylight and closes at dusk.
Keywords:
Genti Tavanxhiu Beata Rostas
Christos Lianitis George Moisi
Xavier Gonzales Petre Petrov
Beatriz Carbonell Ferrer Arne Maeland
Sculpture Symposium in Nicosia
4-16 April 2011
The symposium was organised by The Friends of Fine Arts and Nicosia Municipality, and was funded by the Ministry of Education. Ten sculptors participated from all over Europe:
Agnessa Petrova and Petre Petrov from Bulgaria, Arlindo Arez from Portugal, Arne Maeland from Norway, Beatriz Carbonell from Spain, Beata Rostas from Hungary, Genti Tavanxhiu from Albania, Xavier Gonzalez from France and George Moisi and Christos Lanitis from Cyprus. The sculptors participated after submitting their proposal to the organizing committee. All of them worked with a piece of at least 2 cubic meters local Cypriot stone. All the works are titled as “Untitled”.
After the conclusion of the symposium most of the artworks were located in various parts of Nicosia city. Nicosia Municipality plans the construction of a sculpture park, possibly in part of the ditch outside the Venetian walls of the old city.
Artist & location in the city:
Arne Maeland: Crossroads Kennedy and Archbishop Makarios III Avenues.Nicosia
Beata Rostas: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, opposite Hilton hotel, Nicosia
Beatriz Carbonell Ferrer: 34 Demostheni Severi Avenue, in front of the Embassy of France building, Nicosia
Genti Tavanxhiu: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Kaimakli area, Nicosia
Petre Petrov: Presidential Palace Avenue, Nicosia
Xavier Gonzalez: Agiou Andrea Avenue, in front of Evaggelistria Church, Palouriotissa area, Nicosia
Christos Lanitis: Crossroads Nikis and Griva Digeni Avenues, Nicosia
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Thymopoulos
Location: Saint John Cathedral, forecourt of the old Archbishopric Palace, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: ~3.5 meters
Category: Cypriot Church, Union (énosis), Public sculpture before 1960
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Archbishop’s relatives and the unveiling took place on December 13th 1909.
Sofronios was known for his mild character, his realistic approach to the political situation in Cyprus and, consequently, his willingness to co-exist in peace with the British rulers of the island. However, this attitude of his caused discomfort among the Cypriots and was perceived as a compromise and a deficit of fighting spirit, in discordance to the Greek Cypriot ideals of official union (énosis) with Greece.
To counterbalance this impression, it was attributed to him the phrase written on the pedestal: “British rulers we accept for now your presence, eagerly waiting the time when the white robed liberty will shine at Evagoras’ glorious land” (Βρεττανοί στέργομεν τώρα την των Άγγλων κατοχήν αναμένοντες την ώρα μ’ ανυπόμονον ψυχήν που θα λάμψη λευκοφόρα η θεά μας λευθεριά στου λαμπρού μας Ευαγόρα την αφρόλουστη στεριά).
This phrase was supposedly addressed to the First British High Commissioner and Commander-in-Chief, Sir Garret Wolseley, when he arrived in Larnaka in 1878. However, according to historical sources this position, in general lines, was expressed by the Kition Bishop Kyprianos Ikonomidis who was attending the arrival ceremony. On the contrary Sofronios expressed to Sir Wolseley his wish for equal rights and duties, stating the Cypriots’ devotion to the new ruler.
Selected sources:
~ Filippou Loizos, Η Εκκλησία της Κύπρου επί Τουρκοκρατίας (Cypriot Church during the British rule), Nicosia 1975.
~ Hackett John, Ιστορία της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας της Κύπρου (A history of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus: from the coming of the apostles Paul and Barnabas to the commencement of the British occupation), vol.1, Athens 1923.
~ Koudounaris Aristidis, Βιογραφικόν λεξικόν Κυπρίων 1800-1920 (Biographical dictionary of Cupriots 1800-1920), Nicosia 2010.
~ Zannetos Filios, Ιστορία της νήσου Κύπρου από της Αγγλικής κατοχής μέχρι σήμερον (History of Cyprus from the time of British rule till today), vol. 2 & 3. Larnaka 1911-1912
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), January 1, 1910, p. 1.
~ Κυπριακός Φύλαξ (Kypriakos Filax), December 19, 1909. p. 1.
Keywords:
Artist: Georgios Bonanos
Location: Saint John Cathedral, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Pentelic marble
Dimensions: ~3.5 meters
Category: Cypriot Church, Union (énosis), Public sculpture before 1960
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Archbishop Kyprianos was hanged on July 9th 1821 in Nicosia with the accusation that Cypriots disobeyed the direct order of the Turkish Sultan to stay neutral from the Greek War of Independence.The event marked the beginning of a growing separation between the two cultural and religious communities of the island.
This bust is the first public artwork in Cyprus. It was commissioned by the Patriotic Association of Cypriots in Athens and the unveiling took place on July 9th 1909. Although the bust was presented in 1901 at the Cypriot Exhibition in Athens, the unveiling was delayed for eight years due to the archbishopric crisis that broke out after the death of Archbishop Sofronios III in May 1900.
The Archbishopric seat remained vacant until April 1909 due to a turbulent dispute that emerged between the two successor candidates, the bishop of Kition Kyrillos Papadopoulos, known for his intransigence for énosis (union) and the bishop of Kyrenia Kyrillos Vassiliou, known for his moderate and realistic policy to the British administration. The eight years confrontation divided deeply the Cypriot society and massive riots and demonstrations took place in the major cities of the island. Eventually, the bishop of Kition was elected on April 21st 1909, but his opponent recognized him as the Archbishop of Cyprus only in the beginning of 1910.
The rivals of Kition Bishop used Kyprianos’ name during aforementioned crisis to support their arguments. As a consequence the unveiling of his bust under those circumstances would become an additional source for tension and riots. Thereof, the unveiling took place three months after the election of Archbishop Kyrillos II from Kition Bishopric.
In 1961, after the construction of the new Archbishopric premises, the bust was removed and placed in the new Archbishopric yard. In 1987 it was moved again due to the colossal Archbishop Makarios III statue, and was placed in its current location, at the entrance of the courtyard.
The resemblance of the bust to the actual features of Kyprianos became a new reason of anxiety in the Cypriot society. The sculptor Bonanos had depicted Kyprianos’ features according to a portrait of him, kept at Machairas Monastery at Troodos Mountain. Nevertheless, many objected arguing that the lack of resemblance would raise issues of historical accuracy, artistic excellence and national ideology.
Selected sources:
~ Fragoudis S. Georgios, Ιστορία του Αρχιεπισκοπικού ζητήματος Κύπρου, 1900-1910 (History of the Archbishopric Issue of 1900-1910), Alexandria 1911.
~ Fragoudis S. Georgios. Κυπριακή έκθεσις εν Αθήναις 1901 (The 1901 Cypriot Exhibition in Athens), K. Kokkinofta, introduction. Nicosia, 2005.
~ Hill George, A History of Cyprus, v. IV, Cambridge 1972, pp. 577-606.
~ Katalanos Nikolaos, Κυπριακόν Λεύκωμα Ο Ζήνων (Cypriot Album Zinon), year 1st, Nicosia 1914, p. 186.
~ Ελευθερία (Eleftheria), July, 31, 1909, p.1.
~ Φωνή της Κύπρου (Foni tis Kyprou), September 1, 1900.
~ Φωνή της Κύπρου (Foni tis Kyprou), July 31, 1909, p. 2.
~ Φωνή της Κύπρου (Foni tis Kyprou), August 21, 1909, p. 3.
~ Φωνή της Κύπρου (Foni tis Kyprou), September 25, 1909, p. 1.
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: Heinrich Brumack
Location: Ammochostos Gate, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Adrienne Christiansen
The artwork was donated to the Nicosia Municipality in 1986.
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: Georgios Dimitriadis
Location: Panayia Phaneromeni Church, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Category: Cypriot Church, Union (énosis), Public sculpture before 1960
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was constructed to commemorate a hundred years since the foundation of the Modern Greek State.
Archbishop Kyprianos and three more Bishops were hanged on July 9th 1821 in Nicosia with the accusation that Cypriots disobeyed the direct order of the Turkish Sultan to stay neutral from the Greek War of Independence.
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, the Kykkos Monastery, and the Panayia Phaneromeni Church. The unveiling took place on July 9th 1930. The remains of Archbishop Kyprianos and the Bishops are kept in the mausoleum.
Georgios Dimitriadis the Athenian (1880-1941) was one of the most renowned Greek sculptors following the academic style in the beginning of the 20th century. The mausoleum brings together all the symbols of Byzantine art and the aesthetic characteristics of ancient Greek. The head covering with a cloth symbolizes the mourning and its abstract conception here turns it into an ideogram of loss.
Selected sources:
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), July, 10, 1930, p. 1.
~ Έθνος (Ethnos), May 29, 1930, p. 1.
~ Έθνος (Ethnos), June 28, 1930, p. 1.
~ Έθνος (Ethnos), July 12, 1930, p. 4.
~ Παρατηρητής (Paratiritis), June 1, 1929, p. 4.
~ Φωνή της Κύπρου (Foni tis Kyprou), April 26, 1930, p. 1.
~ Φωνή της Κύπρου (Foni tis Kyprou), July 5, 1930, p. 1.
~ Φωνή της Κύπρου (Foni tis Kyprou), July 12, 1930, p. 2.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Michalakis Karaolis street, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Konstantinos Leventis was a benefactor. No further information is available on the monument.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Stasinou Avenue, Nicosia Municipality Children’s park. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: > 2 meters
Category: The Committee for the Restoration of Democracy in Greece (ΕΑΔΕ/EADE)
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Georgios Tsikouris died in 1970 during his attempt to set off a bomb at the American Embassy in Athens, as a protest to its presumed collaboration with the Greek junta. The initiative for the bust was taken by “The Committee for the Restoration of Democracy in Greece” (ΕΑΔΕ/EADE) which coordinated the fundraising, too. The unveiling took place on February 28th 1982.
Selected sources:
~ Απογευματινή (Apogevmatini), September 4, 1995.
~Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 25, 1979, p. 10.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), September 3, 1988, p. 4.
~ 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.
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: Konstantinos Paleologos
Location: Pankyprio high school, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Pentelic marble
Dimensions: > 2 meters
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Nikos Kranidiotis was a diplomat, an educator and a writer. The initiative for the bust was taken by Nikos Kranidiotis family and the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle (ΣΙΜΑΕ/SIMAE). The unveiling took place on December 11th 2008.
“Pankyprio Gymnasium” (Pan Cypriot) was founded by Archbishop Kyprianos in 1812 and is the oldest high school in Cyprus. Its initial name was “Greek School” until 1896.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), July 31, 2002, p. 26.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.94.7, documents August 31, 2006; October 30, 2006.
~ Ιστορικό Αρχείο ΣΙΜΑΕ (Historical Archive of the Board for the Historical Memory of the EOKA 1955-59 struggle), 17.2008.10, document January 15, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Ioannis Notaras
Location: Eleftherias square, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: > 2 meters
Category: Union (énosis), Public Figures, Public sculpture before 1960
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Katalanos was Greek but lived in Cyprus for many years being a firm supporter of enosis (union) with Greece ideology. He was an educator, a journalist and a publicly active figure. The initiative for the bust was taken in 1954 by an ad hoc private committee of Katalanos’ colleagues and students from the Pan-Cypriot high school (Pankyprio Gymnasium).
The bust is standing on a tall, fluted column, upon on a square basis. Both were sculpted in Greece. Although they were finished by the end of 1955, their shipment to Cyprus was delayed notably, possibly because of the political upheavals due to EOKA 1955-59 struggles. The unveiling took place on September 25th 1960 and became an occasion for nationalist celebrations.
Selected sources:
~ Kypros), May 24, 1954, p. 1.
~ Kypros), January 1, 1959, p. 4.
~ Haravgi, September 27, 1960, p. 2.
~ 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.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Nehru Avenue, next to the Cyprus Parliament, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 181 cm (in height) x 161 cm (max. width) cm x 87 cm
Category: International relations, Non-Aligned Movement
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Government of India and was donated to the Government of Cyprus. The unveiling took place on July 10th 1972.
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), June 29, 1972, p. 1.
~ Αγών (Agon), July 11, 1972, p. 1.
~ Πατρίς (Patris), July 13, 1972, p. 3.
~ 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.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Pankyprio high school, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 2.5 meters
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Konstantinos Spyridakis had been a distinct personality in the Cypriot intellectual society. He was the founder and the president of the Greek Cultural Association in Cyprus (Ελληνικός Πνευματικός Όμιλος Κύπρου). The Association was founded in 1947 and was very active in literature publications, events supporting the dissemination of Greek culture and the enosis (union) with Greece ideology.
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Hellenic Intellectual Association of Cyprus (ΕΠΟΚ/EPOK) and the “Stasinos” association of Greek philologists. The unveiling took place on May 18th 2008 on the occasion of 175 years of the “Pankyprio” (Pan Cypriot) high school. “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.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), May 19, 1988, p. 3.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Thymopoulos
Location: Pankyprio high school, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: > 2 meters
Category: Public Figures, Union (énosis), Public sculpture before 1960
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Ioannis Vergopoulos had been the main benefactor of the “Pankyprio Gymnasium” which was founded by Archbishop Kyprianos in 1812. It is the oldest high school in Cyprus and the initial name was “Greek School” until 1896. The initiative for his bust was taken in 1932 by the Pankyprio (Pan Cypriot) high school and the Greek Institutions of Nicosia Board. The unveiling took place on January 31st 1934
Selected sources:
~ Έθνος (Ethnos), November 26, 1932, p. 4.
~ Πρωινή (Proini), November 11, 1932, p. 4.
~ Πρωινή (Proini), November 16, 1932, p. 3.
~ Πρωινή (Proini), January 8, 1933, p. 1.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Nicosia City Hall. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Themistoklis Dervis has been the Mayor of Nicosia from 1929 to1946 and from 1949 to 1959. The initiative for the memorial was taken by Nikos Karydis, who was an employee of the Nicosia Municipality and Dervis’ close friend. The unveiling took place on November 27th 1993.
Selected sources:
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), November 28, 1993, p. 12.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.1, documents October 9, 1981; October 13, 1981; February 28, 1983.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.5, documents April 15, 1989; June 27, 1989; August 31, 1989.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.6, documents June 16, 1972; September 14, 1989; April 30, 1991.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.7, documents May 14, 1991; December 19, 1991;Meeting Minutes July25, 1991;
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.9, document November 5, 1993.
Keywords:
Artist: Charis Evaggelou
Location: Markos Drakos Street, Ledra Pallas barricade, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 136 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm
Category: Turkish Invasion, Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Efrosyni Proestou was also called “The Lady of Lapithos”, because of her daring decision to hide (and thus save) twelve Greek Cypriot soldiers. They found a shelter close to her house in Lapithos village for a whole month, during and after the Turkish invasion. Proestou was imprisoned and risked the death penalty for her action.
In the Greek traditional family and society, calling a woman “Kyrá” (lady) is a title of honor which insinuates moral value and implies deeds complying with the patriarchal perception of women’s identities.
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the Lapithos Municipality, the “Lapithos” Refugee Association and the twelve soldiers. The latter covered the total cost. Lapithos is in the occupied part of Cyprus, but still elects its authorities in the Greek Cypriot, southern part, as all occupied municipalities and communities do. The unveiling of the memorial took place on September 25th 2002.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), September 24, 2002, p. 4.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/3, document April 14, 2002.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/7, document July 8, 2004.
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/20, Meetings Minutes November 19, 1999; January 19, 2000.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.10, documents September 27, 1999; November 2, 1999.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.11, document April 4, 2000; Meetings Minutes March 31, 2000; April 6, 2000.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.12, documents March 13, 2001; December 17, 2001; April 10, 2002; Meetings Minutes June 21, 2000; April 8, 2002.
Κeywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Crossroads of Kaniggos and Stasinou streets, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Category: Public Figures, Political assassinations
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Doros Loizos was a poet and an active member of EDEK (ΕΔΕΚ) political party. He was murdered right after the coup, on August 30, 1974, not far from where his bust is placed.
The initiative for his bust was taken by the London Socialist-Democratic Movement of Cyprus (ΕΔΕΚ/EDEK). The unveiling took place on August 30th 1985.
On the pedestal is written: “Anyway we will resist them; No matter who they are, no matter how powerful they are” (Πάντως εμείς θα τους αντισταθούμε. Όποιοι και νάναι, όσο δυνατοί και νάναι).
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.2, document October 29, 1984.
Keywords:
Artist: Ioannis Notaras
Location: Dionysios Solomos square, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 3.50 meters approx.
Category: Public Figures, Union (énosis), Public art before 1960
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Solomos (1798-1857) is regarded as the national Greek poet. His poems are constantly referring to the aspired freedom of the enslaved Greek nation and to the Greek War of Independence (1821). One of his poems, the “Hymn to Liberty” written in 1823 became the Greek national anthem in 1865. Solomos is considered as the Cypriot national poet, too, as, officially since 1966 Cyprus shares the same national anthem with Greece.
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Hellenic Intellectual Association of Cyprus (ΕΠΟΚ/EPOK), which coordinated the fundraising. The bust was placed at Ipirou square, on one of the entrances to the old city of Nicosia, and the unveiling took place on June 20th 1954. Over the years and because of the monument’s presence, the square became known as Solomos square. On November 4th 2011 the square underwent an extensive renovation and was officially renamed as Solomos square.
The bust is standing on a tall slender, fluted column, upon a round basis. In front of it and on dark marble panels inserted in the pavement, are engraved Solomos’ verses.
The timing of the unveiling, at the very beginning of the official EOKA struggle, created an opportunity for national fervor in support of the énosis (union) ideology.
Selected sources:
~ Ελευθερία (Eleftheria), March 12, 1954, p. 2.
~ Έθνος (Ethnos), May 7, 1952, p. 2.
~ Έθνος (Ethnos), April 1, 1954, p. 2.
~ Έθνος (Ethnos), April 15, 1954, p. 1.
~ Έθνος (Ethnos), June 22, 1954, p. 1.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 12, 2011.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.18, document October 29, 2008; Meeting Minutes, November 4, 2008.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.19, Meeting Minutes February 19, 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.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Dimosthenis Mitsis Building courtyard, Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Category: Public Figures
Photography Evangelia Matthopoulou
Dimosthenis Mitsis was the founder and major benefactor of the Mitsi Lethymno School. The school was founded in 1912. The initiative for the bust was taken by the Mitsi School board on the occasion of 90 years since the establishment of the school. The unveiling took place on May 21st 2003.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Chrysalliniotissa Municipal Garden, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Copper
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Dimitris Lipertis was a Cypriot poet. The initiative for the bust was taken by the Hellenic Intellectual Association of Cyprus (ΕΠΟΚ/ΕPΟΚ) who coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on April 21st 1963.
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), December 16, 1961, p. 8.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), January 11, 1962, p. 5.
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), April 6, 1963, p. 5.
~ 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.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Municipality Garden of Peace, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 178 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Vladimiros Kafkaridis was a Cypriot actor. The initiative for the bust was taken by an ad hoc private committee for the memorial, which coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on November 5th 1993.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 19, 1993, p. 8.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.8, document May 17, 1993.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.9, document September 9, 1993.
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: Unknown
Location: Agios Antonios elementary school, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 193 cm x 59 cm x 51 cm
Category: Public Figures, Public sculpture before 1960
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Antonios Theodotou was a doctor and one of the major benefactors of Nicosia’s schools. The initiative for the bust was taken by the Nicosia Schools Board. The unveiling took place on January 30th 1936.
Selected sources:
~ Φωνή της Κύπρου (Foni tis Kyprou), March 24, 1934, p. 2.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Dymiotis
Location: Nehru Avenue, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 137 cm x 52 cm x 34 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Andis Pernaris was a poet, a journalist and a teacher. His real name was Andreas Pavlidis. His bust is aimed at promoting his identity as a poet. For this reason on the pedestal are engraved four verses commenting the fame after death and the importance of noble deeds.
The initiative for the bust was taken in 1985 by Pernaris’ sister, Dimitra Pavlidou, who commissioned the bust, and Nikos Panayiotou, officer of the Ministry of Culture. The unveiling took place on January 22nd 1986.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.1, documents June 27, 1984; August 22, 1984.
~ 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: Giorgos Mavroyenis
Location: Stasinou Avenue, Photos Photiades Business Building, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 143 cm x 43 cm x 44 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for both busts was taken by Photos Photiades Scientific and Cultural Institution who coordinated the fundraising. Kostas Montis was a renowned Cypriot poet. The unveiling of his bust took place on July 30th 2007. The composer Marios Tokas, with Cypriot origins from Limassol, lived in Greece where he had a significant presence since the end of the 1970s. Tokas became very popular through his work with renowned Cypriot and Greek poets. The unveiling of his bust took place two years later, on September 16th 2009.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/9, document June 9, 2005.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.17, document April 27, 2004.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.19, document March 10, 2009; March 20, 2009; August 25, 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Andreas Savvides
Location: Chrysaliniotissa Municipal Garden, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Polyester Resim, marble
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Sofia Vembo was the Greek singer whose songs accompanied the battles of Greeks at the Albanian front during the Second World War. Her voice is regarded as emblematic in contemporary Greece. Placed only a few meters from the Green Line in the old Nicosia city, her presence acquires a clear political symbolic meaning, and becomes a reminder to ethnic duties.
The initiative for the memorial was taken by Petros Stylianou, Andreas Petasis, Photos Photiades and was funded by Carlsberg company. The unveiling took place on May 30th 1980.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Dymiotis
Location: Pankyprio high school, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 2.5 meters
Category: War Volunteers
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Rodion and Miltiadis Georgiadis were volunteers during the Second World War. The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1973 by the Hellenic Intellectual Association of Cyprus (ΕΠΟΚ/EPOK) which also coordinated the fundraising. The unveiling took place on March 24th 1974.
“Pankyprio Gymnasium” (Pan Cypriot) was founded by Archbishop Kyprianos in 1812 and is the oldest high school in Cyprus. Its initial name (until 1896) was “Greek School”.
Selected sources:
~ Χαραυγή (Haravgi), June 19, 1969, p. 4.
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: Leonidas Spanos
Location: 29 Archermou Street, Pan Cypriot Federation of Labour (PEO) premises, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Category: Workers’ movement
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the monument was taken by the Pan Cypriot Federation of Labour (PEO). The unveiling took place on November 3rd 1991.
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: Nikos Kouroussis
Location: Saint Varvara church, Kaimakli area, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Granite and stainless steel
Dimensions: 2.20 meters x 50 cm x 50 cm
Category: Turkish Invasion, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the association of the 3rd Company of 211 Infantry Battalion and the unveiling took place on April 9th 2011.
In contrast to the norm Kouroussis chose an abstract, but symbolic, form for the commemoration. The spiral arrangement of the granite layers adds motion and lightness to the column. Spiral motives throughout civilizations and art history have very distinct and shared symbolisms: The upward, coil motion symbolizes evolution, continuity, the power of life and the concept of endless time. On the other hand, in this case, the end form alludes to the DNA graphic pattern which is a very concrete symbol of biological evolution in time. Shedding all superficial, narrative and destructive visual elements which usually accompany memorials and war memorials in particular, Kouroussis captured the power and the essence of time, life and memory in a simple and minimal form.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/10, documents September 11, 2005; October 7, 2005.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/12, Meeting Minutes June 15, 2006.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.17 document June 6, 2006; Meeting Minutes June 15, 2006.
Κeywords:
Artist: Theodoulos Gregoriou
Location: Border crossing on Ledras pedestrian, Nicosia. Nicosia district.
Material: Cement and aluminum
Dimensions: 4.20 meters the diameter x 6 meters in height
Category: Turkish Invasion, Modern sculpture
Photography: Adrienne Christiansen & Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the artwork was taken in 1992 by the Nicosia Municipality. The Ministry of Education and Culture ran a competition in April and May 1995. Theodoulos Gregoriou won and his work was donated to the Nicosia Municipality by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture on the occasion of the European Cultural Month.
In October 1995 the artwork was placed in front of the National Guard border crossing post at the end of Ledras street. Gregoriou’ work is only meters before the Green Line that divides Nicosia since 1963.
“The Resolution” is a protest to the violation of human rights. On the round cement basis of approximately a meter in height, part of the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is written in embossed Greek letters. A stack of steel lances diagonally arranged hit the center of the text, symbolically destroying it.
Theodoulos Gregoriou is a renowned contemporary artist with important presence in the international art scene. Because of the proximity to the crossing point his choice was based on the thought that the artwork should insinuate its meaning rather than aggressively state it. His aim was to capture the attention of those passing and engage them in a thought process.
Selected sources:
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), March 29, 1995, p. 2.
~ Αλήθεια (Alithia), October 10, 1995, p. 2.
~ Μάχη (Mahi), August 20, 1995, p. 17.
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), July 19, 1995, p. 4.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), October 11, 1995, p. 19.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.8, document December 30, 1992.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.18, document July 17, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Aristidis Patsoglou
Location: Embassy of Greece building, Lord Byron Avenue, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was donated to the Greek ambassador in Cyprus by the sculptor Aristidis Patsoglou, and was sponsored by the Greek Bank and Efthyvoulos Paraskevaidis. It was placed in 2005.
Keywords:
Artist: Costas Varotsos
Location: Ammochostos Gate, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Iron and glass
Dimensions: 6 meters
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The sculpture was donated by Deste Foundation of Contemporary Art to the city of Nicosia. The president of Deste Foundation, Dakis Ioannou, a Cypriot in origin, is a very well known art collector of contemporary art worldwide.
The “Poet” was made by Costas Varotsos in 1983, and in 1985 it was placed at Ammochostos Gate, the eastern entrance to the old city close to the Green Line.
Costas Varotsos, one of the most renowned Greek sculptors of his generation, used glass in order to capture the power of motion, and virtually expand the poet’s presence in the public space. Glass is a characteristic material of Varotsos’ work but the “Poet” was the first work he attempted of this scale. His second attempt was in 1988 when he constructed the “Runner”, located in front of Hilton Hotel and the National Gallery in Athens.
The attempts to locate the “Poet” sculpture at “Ohi” (Όχι, No) square in the old city of Nicosia did not come to fruition. Consequently the artwork was moved and placed in the Ammochostos bastion gardens, a rather isolated and disproportionate spot compared with the Poet’s size and importance.
Selected sources:
~ Πολίτης (Politis), July 7, 2002, p. 2.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.12, documents December 6, 2001; January 15, 2002; February 15, 2002; March 26, 2002.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.17, document October 7, 2004.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Egeos Avenue, Pallouriotissa Lyceum, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 2.35 meters
Category: International relations, Ancient Greek & Byzantine legacy
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue is an exact copy of Efranoras’, student of Phidias, work of 340-330 B.C. The original Athena goddess of Efranoras is exhibited in Piraeus Archeological Museum, Athens.
The statue was donated by the Municipality of Athens to the Municipality of Nicosia. The unveiling took place on October 7th 2002.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.12, documents May 30, 2002; July 1, 2002; July 2, 2002; July 25, 2002.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.13, documents September 10, 2002; September 13, 2002; September 25, 2002.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λευκωσίας (Nicosia Municipality Archive), 06-7.14, document October 8, 2002.
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: Vasos Falireas
Location: Museum Avenue, next to the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. Nicosia district
Material: Copper
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Kostis Palamas (1859-1943) is ranked among the most prominent Greek poets of the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. EPOK’s initiative was in array with its ideology and activities that encourage the promotion and cementing of Greek, ancient and contemporary, culture in Cyprus.
Τhe initiative for the monument was taken in 1972 by the Hellenic Intellectual Association of Cyprus (EΠOK/EPOK). The unveiling took place on February 27th 1974. The work was commissioned to the Greek sculptor Vasos Falireas by Makarios III. Falireas made an identical monument in marble for the Athens Municipality Cultural Center and the unveiling took place on March 7th 1975.
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), February 23, 1974, p. 1.
~ Τα Νέα (Ta Nea), March 1, 1974.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), February 28, 1974, p. 1, 8.
~ 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.
Keywords:
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: Christos Symeonidis Chrisimos
Location: Kostas Misiaoulis Street, Tseri. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 141 cm x 44 cm x 34 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Theodosis Pieridis was a poet. The initiative for the bust was taken in 2006 and the unveiling took place on June 17th 2007.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Nikos Kazantzakis Street, Tseri. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 131 cm (+24 cm the steps) x 50 cm x 50 cm
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken in 2003.
Keywords:
Artist: Maro Bartzili
Location: Latsia Town Hall, Yiannos Kranidiotis Avenue. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 3 meters x 5 meters
Material: Brass
Category: Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, Turkish Invasion, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken by Latsia COOP Bank in early 2009 and the unveiling took place on December 20th 2009. The memorial is dedicated to those who died during the 1963-64 inter-communal conflicts and the Turkish invasion, and to the 1974 missing.
According to the art competition call: “The artist is required to express the concepts of heroism and the sacrificial spirit of the dead. At the same time an explicit hint to the missing needs to be obvious along with the hope for their return”.
The wining artist Maro Bartzili proposed a modern synthesis where the distinct geometric elements balance with the human figure in a way that “intense lyricism and softness, motion and immobility coexist”.
According to her proposal, the monument will invoke “the sacrifice, the strength and courage, along with the hero’s serenity confronting death or captivity [..] On the left hand side two figures, a female and a male, emerge from the material, symbolize the sacrifice, the loss and the wailing for the dead and missing […] The flower like shape they form is reminiscent of the bud that blooms, in the same way sacrifices come into fruition. In this way the two figures symbolize hope, too. The figure on the right hand side makes part of the geometric construction, becomes leverage, the driving force for all the claims for our missing people and their return”.
The vertical geometric surface bears the names of the dead and missing and functions as a commemorative stele, too. The whole construction uses the wall of the Town Hall as a theatrical backdrop and, unlike most memorials, is placed lower than the ground level in a way that suggests emersion.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λατσιών (Latsia Municipality Archive), no 75.14:1/2, documents April 22, 2009; March 15, 2010; July 9, 2010.
~ Αρχείο Δήμου Λατσιών (Latsia Municipality Archive), no 75.14:1/1, documents January 15, 2004; April 11, 2007; July 22, 2008; Meeting minutes July 21, 2008.
Keywords:
Artist: Vasilis Kattos
Location: Yiannos Kranidiotis Αvenue, Latsia. Nicosia district
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
This memorial could define the epitome of the Cypriot mother’s identity. The memorial brings together the distillate of the national symbols constructing a concise visual narration of the Greek Cypriot identity. A hexagonal marble pedestal mounted on a low base and delimited by an equal number of Doric-like columns carries four massive Cypriot women who share the weight of an extra size bronze torch on their backs. The women, all in typical peasant dresses, struggle under the weight of the torch, striving to balance it and safeguard its flame. The six metopes between the Doric-like columns are decorated with low reliefs capturing iconic images of the Cypriot tragedy: wire fences; dead bodies; symbols of martyrdom; the idealized female figure of victory or motherland embracing the souls of her fighters; wailing women in front of a church; and soldiers at the peak of battle.
Apart from the apparent physical weight the gigantic torch implies, its’ symbolic weight serves as an allegory of heroism and of the sacrifices required in order to ensure the historical continuity and the safety of the homeland. That sacrifice is mirrored on the bodies and faces of these women, and inextricably testifies to their role in the ethno-nationalistic rhetoric.
On the one of the six metopes it is written: “To you who have not died, to you who are not alive, to you who did not get a proper burial, to you whom I wait for” (Σε σένα που δεν πέθανες, σε σένα που δε ζεις, σε σένα που δεν τάφηκες, σε σένα που προσμένω). Below that, on a scroll framed by a laurel wreath there is a second dedication: “Whoever you are… Wherever you are… Whatever you are… You, Mother… Love” (Όποια και να σαι… Όπου και να σαι… Ότι και να σαι, Μάνα εσύ … Αγάπη).
The unveiling took place on July 26th 1996.
Keywords:
Artist: Vasilis Kattos
Location: Yiannos Kranidiotis Avenue, Latsia. Nicosia district.
Category: Ancient Greek & Byzantine legacy
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The monument was constructed to commemorate Latsia and Kilkis (Greece) Municipalities twining. The unveiling took place on July 30th 1994.
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: Unknown
Location: Spyros Kyprianou Avenue, Lakatamia. Nicosia district
Category: Inter-communal conflicts 1958, Turkish Invasion, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the community of Kontemenos, currently in the occupied area of Cyprus. The unveiling took place on June 12th 2011.
The falling fighter’s figure, cut in metal plates, imitates the slow motion of a film’s frames. His repeated silhouette composes an eloquent narration which eliminates all the secondary visual items, indispensible and inevitable in a naturalistic composition, thus focusing on the main event: the perishing. The lack of any detail produces an inclusive and symbolic image of actual or metaphorical death. The raised hand alludes to a weapon or, vice-versa, the raised weapon alludes to the familiar spasm of the body that has been shot. This summarizing process adds expressive power to the depicted figure, while the surrounding architecture construction frames it in a plain and clear manner.
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: Unknown
Location: Pavlos Xioutas Park, Engomi. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 130 cm (the pedestal)
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Pavlos Xioutas was a renowned educator. The initiative for the bust was taken by Fotos Fotiadis Institution, and the Engomi Municipality. The unveiling took place on June 28th 1994.
On the pedestal is written: “Your immortality starts with your death and it will continue to exist as long as people remember your virtues and your deeds in this life” (Από το θάνατό σου αρχίζει η αθανασία σου που θα στέκει όσο οι άνθρωποι θα θυμούνται την αρετή και τα έργα σου στη ζωή).
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), June 29, 1994, p. 3.
Keywords:
Artist: Panayiotis Panayi Pasantas
Location: Griva Digeni Avenue and A. Haliou St., Engomi. Nicosia district.
Material: Copper
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Spyros Kyprianou served as the second President of the Republic of Cyprus (1977-1988). In 2004 the Engomi Democratic Party Committee (DIKO) and the Engomi Municipality, commissioned his memorial. The unveiling took place on October 29th 2007.
On a plaque next to the Bust is written: “My vision and my purpose in life is to see our people live in freedom, to determine the land and manage the future. My vision is to ramble free every inch of my homeland without facing foreign troops, and fear of war ” (Όραμα και σκοπός της ζωής μου είναι να δω το λαό μας ελεύθερο να διαφεντεύει τον τόπο του και να ορίζει το μέλλον του. Όραμά μου είναι να περιδιαβάζω ελεύθερος κάθε σπιθαμή της πατρίδας μου χωρίς την παρουσία ξένων στρατών και το φόβο του πολέμου).
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/10, document November 29, 2005.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/13, document March 14, 2007.
Keywords:
Artist: Giorgos Kalakallas
Location: Adjacent to Engomi 1st elementary school. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 157 cm (the pedestal)
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Nikos Kranidiotis was a diplomat, an educator and a writer. The bust was commissioned in 1998 by the author Andreas Tsouras as an offer to the Kranidiotis’ family. The unveiling took place on January 8th 2001 and during the same ceremony the Municipality Park was renamed as Nikos Kranidiotis Park.
On the pedestal is written: “We will stand on this land where we were born, keeping alive the memory of our ancestors; with love for our descendants; and a blissful serenity inside us” (Θα σταθούμε στη γη που μας γέννησε με τη μνήμην εκείνων που διάβηκαν, την αγάπη για κείνους που θα’ρθουνε και τη θεία γαλήνη στα σπλάχνα μας).
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), January 9, 2001, p. 4.
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: Evdoras Vasilaras Park, Engomi. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 81 cm (+39 cm the steps) x 83 cm x 83 cm
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Engomi Municipality Committee and the unveiling took place on July 7th 2010.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Engomi Municipality Park, Acheon and Aeschylou St. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 150 cm (with the pedestal)
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by the Engomi Municipality. The unveiling took place on October 17th 1993.
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: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Crossroads of Heroon Avenue and Aggelos Terzakis street, Engomi. Nicosia district
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the statue was taken by the Morfou Municipality Committee and the unveiling took place on October 10th 2009. Although Morfou is in the occupied area, it continues to elect its authorities and function as a community in the free part of Cyprus. The same is valid for all communities and municipalities under occupation.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Dali. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 157cm x 44~114 cm x 44~114 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Groutas was the first Mayor of Dali. The initiative for the bust was taken by the Dali Municipality Board. The unveiling took place on October 22nd 2000.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Dali Municipality. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 146 cm x 58~78 cm x 48~69 cm
Category: Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken by Georgios Eikosaris’ friends and the unveiling took place in August 2001.
Keywords:
Artist: Kyriakos Kallis
Location: Helioupoli Municipality Park, Dali. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 146 cm x 58~78cm x 48~69 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Vasilis Michaelides was a poet. The initiative was taken in 2000 by the Dali Municipality Board and the unveiling took place on October 13th 2011.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Dali Municipality. Nicosia District
Category: Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
An alternative name with which the memorial is known is that of the “Anonymous missing’ Father”. It is dedicated to all dead and missing from 1964 to 1974. The initiative was taken in 2003 by Dali Municipality and the families of the Dali missing. The unveiling took place on November 7th 2004.
The father is seated on a low platform on a road junction. His loose posture implies the hardships, physical and emotional, he has suffered. On the plaque in front of his feet is written: “Brothers, although missing, you will always be with us. We keep you in our thoughts and in our hearts” (Αδέλφια κι αν χαθήκατε πάντα θα’στε κοντά μας. Σας έχουμε στη σκέψη μας και μέσα στην καρδιά μας).
Behind his back, two stone panels bear the names of the dead and missing. The small bronze bas reliefs in rectangular shape with their portraits carved, are reminiscent of the black and white photographs that accompany Greek Orthodox tombs and a good number of memorials in Cyprus. The same photographs became iconic because of the Cypriot women dressed in black and holding them in their hands during their vigils and protests after 1974, initially asking the release of the imprisoned Greek Cypriot soldiers in the occupied part, and later the return of their remains.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolas Pavlopoulos
Location: Dali. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Category: Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the statue was taken in 1984 by an ad hoc private committee and Hamatsos’ brother who, at than time, was the head of Dali Community. This initiative was opposed by Dali Municipality committee who wished, instead of promoting one individual, to dedicate a memorial to all the dead fighters from Dali.
The cost for the monument was covered through private fundraising. Τhe unveiling took place on March 23th 1985.
Selected sources:
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), March 22, 1985, p. 3.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), June 1, 1982, p. 3.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), March 24, 1985, p. 10.
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), July 31, 2000, p. 10.
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: George Kyriacou
Location: Police Headquarters, Lemesou Avenue, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Category: Public Figures, Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64, 1974 Coup, Turkish Invasion, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was funded by the Cypriot policemen. It was commissioned in 1968 and was delivered in 1973. The unveiling took place on April 15th 1973.
According to the art competition call it should depict: “the exacerbation of the sacrificial spirit of the dead Policemen”. According to the artist George Kyriacou “the two gigantic hemispheres assimilate to two gigantic police helmets and constitute the basis of the monument. They balance in a subtle way implying policemen’s difficult task to safeguard and keep in balance the counterweighing social and political forces”.
The same symbolisms are attributed to the vertical brass construction.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968, Meeting Minutes December 30, 1969.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikos Kouroussis
Location: National Guard Headquarters, Lemesou Avenue, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Category: National Guard, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to the five military officers who died on July 10th 2002 in the Bell 206 helicopter crash at Kouklia, Pafos district. The initiative for the memorial was taken in 2004 by the Committee of Police Officers’ Co-operative Bank of Cyprus. The unveiling took place on July 11th 2005.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/6, document September 17, 2003; competition call document; Meeting Minutes January 26, 2004.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/7, document February 26, 2004.
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: Unknown
Location: Saint Nicholaos church, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Category: Public Figures, Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Alexandra and Nikolaos Iakovidis were benefactors. No further information is available.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Greco-Turkish Alliance Square, Larnakas Avenue, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Material: Cement and Brick
Category: Inter-communal relations, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the monument was taken in 1982 by the committee for Aglandjia environmental improvement. Before Aglandjia became a municipality this committee was the only official authority for Aglandjia area. The decision ignited intense reaction from “Kyriakos Karaolis” nationalist association that took it as “an attempt that undermines the fighting spirit and morally enslaves our people […] The timing for such monuments is unrealistic when the biggest part of Aglandjia fields are occupied”. Equally intense were the reactions of the inhabitants, a large part of which are refugees from the occupied areas, commenting: “If they dare go through the ‘Monument of Disgrace’, we will have no choice but to burn it”.
The unveiling took place in 1983.
Selected sources:
~ Σημερινή (Simerini), August 12, 1983, p. 9.
Keywords:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: The University of Cyprus, 75 Kallipoleos Avenue, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 120 cm x 57 cm x 48 cm
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken in 2001 by the University of Cyprus Graduates of 1971. The unveiling took place on January 19th 2003.
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/4, document December 5, 2002.
Keywords:
Artist: Aggelos Makridis
Location: The University of Cyprus, 75 Kallipoleos Avenue, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 130 cm x 42 cm x 41 cm
Category: Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken by the Cyprus Academy of Education and the unveiling took place on June 29th 1971.
Selected sources:
~ Αγών (Agon), June 30, 1971, p. 1.
~ Academy of Education yearbook 1970-1971.
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: Nikos Kouroussis
Location: The University of Cyprus, 75 Kallipoleos Avenue, Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The artwork is dedicated to Zenon Kitiefs (Ζήνων Κιτιεύς) and was an initiative taken by the first University of Cyprus graduates of 1996. Zinon (334-363 B.C.) was originally from Kition, a village outside Larnaka city and lived in Athens, where he founded the stoic philosophical school. The unveiling took place in June 1996.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Evaggelou Floraki St., Aglandjia. Nicosia district
Material: Brass
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was donated to the Cypriot Police by the artist Nikolaos Kotziamanis. It is dedicated to all policemen who did their duty serving their fellow citizens. The unveiling took place on October 27th 2010.
Keywords:
Artist: Vasilis Kattos
Location: Technical School of Nicosia, Aglandjia. Nicosia district.
Category: Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was commissioned by the Aglandjia Technical School, with the initiative of the students of 1983-1984 class.
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: Nikos Kouroussis
Location: Kolokasidis roundabout, Agios Dometios. Nicosia district.
Category: Turkish Invasion, Modern sculpture
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the art piece, which would symbolize Cypriot peoples’ will for freedom and resistance, was taken and realized in 1975 by the artist Nikos Kouroussis.
Contrary to the norm and the aesthetics of the monuments which refer to political events, Kouroussis worked in an abstract synthesis: A number of interlocking rings are diagonally arranged among them in a way to cover the entire roundabout area. According to a 2005 document the symbolical intension of the work was to promote the Olympic spirit ideals of friendship, peace, cooperation and reconciliation. In 1997-98 the necessary restoration works, due to the gradual erosion over time, ignited controversial discussions on the necessity to keep or remove the artwork altogether.
Selected sources:
~ Κρατικό Αρχείο Κύπρου, Αρχείο Πολιτιστικών Υπηρεσιών Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (State Archive of Cyprus): 268/1968/3, Meeting Minutes November 27, 1975.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee), 14.3.01, document June 1, 2001.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee), 14.3.01/5, document February 25, 2003.
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee), 14.3.01/10, document July 25, 2005.
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: Unknown
Location: Analiontas village, old threshing floor. Nicosia district.
Material: Marble
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial was commissioned by the family of Giorgos Chatzinikoli in 2006.
Selected sources:
~Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/11, document February 22, 2006.
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: Unknown
Location: Platanistasa village, opposite Community Park. Nicosia district
Material: Marble and stone
Dimensions: 182 cm x 81 cm x 111 cm
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 1984 by “Odysseus Spetsiotis” union.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), August 8, 1984, p. 8.
Keywords:
Artist: Vasilis Kattos
Location: Pigenia, adjacent to Community Committee premises. Nicosia district
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative was taken by the Pigenia Community, and the Kykkos and Tyllirias’ Bishop Nikiforos. The unveiling took place during July 2011.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Morfou Avenue, Peristerona village. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 165 cm x 60 cm x 33 cm
Category: Cypriot Women
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the bust was taken in 2007 by the community committees of Peristerona and Katokopia village and Agricultural association of the Social Democratic Party.
Keywords:
Artist: Unknown
Location: Pedoulas Folklore Museum. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 135 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Vasos Chatziioannou was a benefactor. The initiative and commission of the bust was taken by the Chatziioannou family.
Keywords:
Artist: Giorgos Mavroyenis
Location: Byzantine museum, Pedoulas village. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 126 cm x 50 cm x 43 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Andreas Ellinas was a benefactor. The initiative for the bust was taken in 2008 by the Pedoulas’ expatriates union. The unveiling took place on April 20th 2009.
Keywords:
Artist: Giorgos Mavroyenis
Location: Pedoulas village, Fidkia hill, Holly Cross chapel. Nicosia district
Dimensions: 96 cm x 67 cm x 48 cm
Category: War Volunteers
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to all local volunteers during the Balkan Wars. It is reminiscent of a theatrical stage, both due to the arrangement of the surrounding commemoration and the natural environment. Michail Stivaros’ (Μιχαήλ Στιβαρός) bust is the visual point of reference. It’s situated on a low platform and is flanked by a geometric construction and panels that present information on his activity during the Balkan Wars.
The memorial was commissioned by Athanasios Ktoridis Foundation and the unveiling took place during 2011.
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: Giorgos Kalakallas
Location: Agios Rafael church, Pachyammos. Nicosia district.
Material: Copper
Category: Inter-communal conflicts 1963-64
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial is dedicated to those who died during the Tylliria fights. According to the commemorative inscription: “The above are the names of soldiers, members of the National Guard, and civilians who were killed during the fights against Turkish troops in August 1964 at Tillyria area”.
The initiative was taken by the union of the families of the dead, the ex Deputy Governor of Pachyammos’ National Guard, Theodoros Papadopoulos, and the Agios Rafael church administrator. The unveiling took place on August 7th 1994.
Keywords:
Artist: Nikolaos Kotziamanis
Location: Agios Rafael church, Pachyammos. Nicosia district.
Category: 1974 Coup
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The statue was funded by the family, the “friends, co-fighters and those who appreciate the hero”, as the inscription states. The unveiling took place on July 26th 2008.
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: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Mosfileri Agios Georgios church. Nicosia district
Material: Marble
Dimensions: 189 cm (+15 cm the steps) x 53 cm x 44 cm
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The memorial consists of Georgios Andronikou Michail’ (Γεώργιος Ανδρονίκου Μιχαήλ) bust and a commemorative stele. The initiative for the bust was taken by the family of the deceased and Mosfileri community. Next to it is situated a tall stele crowned with a flame. The flame is the sacred fire, the eternal flame. It is the symbol of the fragile and transient nature of life, but also reminiscent of the existence and the spirit of the deceased, and thus is associated with the heroic sacrifice. In Greek commemorative monuments, either in public places or in cemeteries, the flame or a torch are placed on pedestals or stele, on the tombs or on low platforms along with other symbols implicit of the identity and 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.
According to the inscription here, the stele is dedicated to “all the dead fighters who safeguarded the freedom of the village” and to the, listed as missing, Antonakis Dimitriou Georgiou (Αντωνάκης Δημητρίου Γεωργίου). His black and white photograph is placed under the inscription.
This style of black and white photographs became iconic of the Cypriot tragedy after the 1974 invasion, because of the Cypriot women and children holding them in their hands during their vigils and protests. Initially they were demanding the release of the prisoners kept in the occupied land and, later, the return of their remains.
The unveiling took place on June 26th 2005
Selected sources:
~ Αρχείο Συμβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Μνημείων Υπουργείου Παιδείας & Πολιτισμού (Advisory Monuments’ Committee) 14.3.01/4, document November 12, 2002.
Keywords:
Artist: Giorgos Roussis
Location: Mitsero, amphitheater. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 92 cm (+17 cm the pedestal) x 58 cm x 36 cm
Category: Public Figures
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
Both Kyriakou and Damianou were Presidents of the Mitsero community. The busts were donated in 2009 by the families Damianos Kyriakou and Kostas Damianou.
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:
Artist: Leonidas Spanos
Location: Lympia square, adjacent to the elementary school. Nicosia district
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 124 cm (+ 42 cm the steps) x 69 cm x 47 cm
Category: Turkish Invasion
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken by the Lympia “Olympia” union. The unveiling took place on November 1st 1992.
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:
Artists: Andreas Savvides (the bust), Kyriakos Tamanas (the mosaic)
Location: Kampia-Machaira road. Nicosia district.
Dimensions: 102 cm x 74 cm x 93 cm
Category: Cypriot Church
Photography: Evangelia Matthopoulou
The initiative for the memorial was taken in 2005 by Kampia Community Committee and “Archbishop Kyprianos” Community Library.
Kyprianos’ bust is flanked by a commemorative wall decorated with mosaics that explicitly state the crucial role Cypriot Church has in the country’s history. Despite the numerous invasions and occupations Cyprus has withstood throughout history, the feeling of ellinikótita (greekness) summarizes the Greek Orthodox ideals. Because of the protective role of the Cypriot Orthodox Church since the late 12th century to secure the inner cohesion of the Greek speaking orthodox population, the cultural identity is identified with the national identity and remains intact.
Selected sources:
~ Φιλελεύθερος (Fileleftheros), April 2, 1987, p. 2.
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 Κύ
