Ta Smyrneika Tragoudia

In these days of remembrance of the Greeks of Smyrna, there are certain songs which stand out for their sheer sincerity, and beauty. This particular song, performed by Pantelis Thalassinos, perfectly captures the spirit of Greek Smyrna, and evokes a gamut of emotions in the viewer, from sadness, anger, hope, and, finally, to a greater understanding, and appreciation of, the Greeks of Smyrna.

14th September: National Remembrance Day for the genocide of Asia Minor Greeks by the Turkish State

Today, 14th September, is the Day of National Remembrance in commemoration of the genocide of Asia Minor Greeks by the Turkish state. This song, which is performed by famous Greek singer of Asia Minor descent, Georgos Dalaras, is a tribute to the memory of the Greeks of Smyrna who lost their lives during the Asia Minor Catastrophe in 1922. It also celebrates those Greek Smyrnaeans who were forced to leave their ancestral homelands in Asia Minor, and start new lives in Greece and other countries, under extremely difficult, and trying circumstances.

St. Chrysostomos of Smyrna - Saint Day 12th September

In memory of St. Chrysostomos of Smyrna, Metropolitan of Smyrna, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his flock and Smyrna; may his memory live on eternally.

Ελληνική Σμύρνη - Greek Smyrna

It is a well documented fact that the Greeks of Smyrna were an advanced civilization in all respects, and the following video is one example of how progressive they were, and before their time. It is also a reflection οf, and insight into, just how cosmopolitan Smyrna was in this era.

The Greeks of Smyrna were a people who published a vast array of newspapers which dealt with various topics of interest to their readers, and, apart from this, wrote invaluable literature which has survived the test of time, and, is thankfully stored at the Ένωση Σμυρναίων (The Association of Smyrnaens) which is in Athens, Greece. The role of Greek women in Smyrna society, also, is another topic explored in the video.

Women were more liberated in Smyrna than their female counterparts were in Greece, holding various employment positions outside the home but, at the same time, they were proud of, and valued their husbands and families, their families reciprocating this in return. The Greek women of Smyrna were also notable for their dignity, and the particular care they took with their appearance, wearing only the finest, most tasteful jewellery and fashions of the era.

Apart from this, the Greeks of Smyrna also partook in other cultural pursuits, and were active in sports such as soccer, hurdles, cycling, fencing, boxing, sailing, golf, tennis, and equestrian sports. Smyrna was also the birthplace of the rembetiko, and key singers of this music, such as Marika Ninou and Rita Abatzi, were born there. Finally, the video also outlines how the theatre was of paramount importance to the Greeks of Smyrna, and that Smyrna was the birthplace of noted Greek thespians, among these, Kyveli Adrianou, Mitsos Myrat, and over one hundred and fifty others. I hope you enjoy this excellent video.