Series of events planned to commemorate Greek war of independence

The education minister announced on Thursday a series of events to commemorate 200 years since the 1821 Greek War of Independence.

The Greek War of Independence is considered a monumental event in the history of modern Greece and officially celebrated in Cyprus.

Celebrated on March 25, when Greece’s revolution against the Ottoman empire was declared, it was significant in establishing a Greek identity in terms of religion and language. Before 1821, Greece had been under Ottoman rule for nearly 400 years.

Prodromos Prodromou presented a provisional schedule featuring concerts by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, exhibitions and other cultural events drawn up by a committee of academics in the relevant fields, led by former Greek education minister Georgios Babiniotis.

On March 25, a special celebration will begin with a greeting by President Nicos Anastasiades and will include music, poetry and a documentary.

Due to coronavirus measures the event will be broadcast online and then repeated in person on July 8, which will kick off the second part of celebrations focusing on the contribution of Cyprus to the uprising, Prodromou said.

“The logo incorporates the design of the flag used by the brigade of Cypriot soldiers who fought in the war,” he added.

July’s events will honour the memory of Archbishop Kyprianos, leader of the Cyprus Orthodox Church at the time, who was executed by the island’s Ottoman rulers. Events will include concerts, conferences and the opening of a museum in Kyprianos’ memory. In addition, commemorative stamps will be issued.

Events have been planned in collaboration with cultural and academic institutions, and local councils all over Cyprus. The events schedule is not final, Prodromou said, and the committee is open to reviewing more entries.

Whether or not these events will take place in person or online remains to be seen, as it all depends on the measures that will be in place at the time, he said, adding that there is a possibility for the programme to be extended to 2022.

The public can find more information on the event schedule and the committee on  http://www.kypros1821.gov.cy/