Voices and Memories of Asia Minor and Cyprus in Nicosia

Presentation of the first volume of the two-volume historical publication "Voices and Memories of Asia Minor and Cyprus" researched, written and edited by Dr. Chrysanthos Chrysanthou. Through archival material, rare photographs and testimonies, the historical ties between the two places and the stories of Asia Minor refugees who found refuge in Cyprus after 1922 are highlighted.

The first volume, 768 pages long, brings together primary archival material, rare photographs and authentic testimonies, attempting to illuminate the long relationship between Cyprus and the cities of the southern Asia Minor coasts, such as Attalia, Alanya and Mersin.

From Asia Minor to Cyprus

Particular prominence is given to the stories of Asia Minor refugees who, after the 1922 Catastrophe, sought refuge in Cyprus, either temporarily or permanently, trying to create a new life.

Among them stands out the case of Anastasios Tosounoglou from Alanya, who settled in Cyprus and started a family.

Through the book's chapters, the historical, religious, educational, commercial and social ties between Cyprus and Asia Minor are examined, as well as the life of Greek communities in the Alanya region. At the same time, the events leading to the Asia Minor Catastrophe are recorded, the arrival of refugees in Cyprus, the quarantine conditions at the Dekelia quarantine station, their care and the difficulties they faced in trying to rebuild their lives.

As Dr. Chrysanthos Chrysanthou notes, Asia Minor and Cyprus followed "parallel lives", with common historical and cultural references, but also the painful experience of displacement.

The goal of those involved is for the publication to serve as a "humble ark of historical memory", preserving testimonies and evidence that illuminate an important aspect of the history of the two places.

The collection of extensive research material led to the decision to prepare a second volume, which is expected to be completed within 2027.

Presentations in Nicosia, Limassol and Athens

The official presentation of the first volume will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 19:30, at the Ceremonial Hall of the Cultural Institution of the Holy Monastery of Kykkos "Archangel", in Nicosia, under the auspices of the "Anastasios and Euphrosyne Tosounoglou" Foundation.

This will be followed by a presentation of the publication in Limassol, as part of the 5th International Limassol Book Fair, which will take place from November 20-22, 2026.

The series of presentations will conclude on November 26, 2026, at the House of Cyprus in Athens.

The publication was made possible through the sponsorship of Anna Tosounoglou-Christoffi, president and founder of the "Anastasios and Euphrosyne Tosounoglou" Foundation, and is dedicated to the memory of her parents, as well as to all Asia Minor and Cypriot refugees.