Women of Asia Minor honored in Melbourne

[Centre for Asia Minor Studies]

The Greek-Australian Cultural League (GACL), successful concern with the Thessaloniki Association “The White Tower,” hosted a moving commemoration connected Saturday astatine the Greek Center successful Melbourne to people National Remembrance Day for the Genocide of Asia Minor Greeks.

As reported by The Greek Herald, “The Women of Asia Minor” was an lawsuit focused connected the resilience of exile mothers, daughters and grandmothers pursuing the 1922 catastrophe.

The Greek consul successful Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, delivered the keynote, reflecting connected her ain family’s exile roots and honoring women similar Filio Haidemenou, who lived to 107 and became a symbol of taste survival.

“These stories are not fragments of the past,” said GACL president Cathy Alexopoulos, “they are the instauration of our corporate identity,” referencing “Echoes of Smyrna,” a caller publication featuring exile descendants’ testimonies. 

Other speakers, including Eleni Zalocosta and Sophia Michaelidis, highlighted the strength of Asia Minor women and the taste nonaccomplishment of Smyrna, urging remembrance arsenic a motivation duty.

The lawsuit included poetry, video tributes and a infinitesimal of silence. Eleni, an 11-year-old student attendee, said: “It was bittersweet to larn astir Smyrna being taken away. But I want to support these stories alive.”

Alexopoulos closed by reminding the audience: “‘Lest we forget’ is not lone for the Anzacs, but for our brave ancestors arsenic well.”