Smyrna - Izmir: In Memory of cosmopolitical Smyrna 16

One of the things which I often do is view videos which depict the past of Smyrna, and marvel at just how cosmopolitan this famous city once was. This video is a fascinating memento of images, sights, landscapes, buildings and industries which once composed the city of Smyrna. It is also a reminder of how multicultural the city was, and just how advanced it was in all respects before 1922, in terms of trade and commerce, just for starters. Please enjoy this short glimpse into Smyrna's past, which is the first in a series of videos which explore how Smyrna once was, many years ago.

90th Year Commemoration of the Smyrna Greek Genocide, Great Fire of Smyrna, and the Asia Minor Catastrophe

Today is the 90th Year Commemoration of the Smyrna Greek Genocide, the Great Fire of Smyrna, and the Asia Minor Catastrophe. This is a day when many Greek people the world over will take an extended look over their lives, especially those people who have ancestry from Smyrna, and remember their relatives and ancestors, those who fell in Smyrna from the events of 1922, and, those who fled for lands afar, to re-build their lives from the ashes, and emerge victorious.

 





 

When I think of Greek Smyrna, it evokes, for myself, many beautiful feelings and sentiments. Greek Smyrna, for me, is like a smorgasbord of wonderful things: a cosmopolitan place where its Greek inhabitants were able to flourish and prosper, and had their own distinctive way of life which could not be duplicated anywhere else. From their unique way of looking at life, their music, respect for religion, education and higher learning, wonderful family interactions, their cuisine and, above all, their pride in their Hellenism, these qualities set them apart from other branches of Hellenism for taking it to new heights, and exemplifying to all how to live with dignity, and respect for oneself.  The Smyrnaean Greeks' quiet philosophies on life assisted them with the belief that they could achieve it all, no matter how difficult life could become.

I can only imagine what life would have been like in Greek Smyrna before the catastrophe, but photos, and documents from the era, definitely conjure up vivid images which remain in the mind. Here's a small example in the following video, which can be found here. Cosmopolitan Smyrna must have been a very interesting place to live, with its mix of different cultures living in close proximity to each other, and learning each other's ways of life, to each culture's gain. The Greek people of Smyrna living alongside cultures such as the Turkish, Armenian, Jewish, Assyrian, Dutch, and Italian people, for instance, would have been a revealing experience where one could hear different languages, witness customs, and soak up the sheer multicultural atmosphere.

With the horrendous circumstances of 1922, and the multiple tragic events which occurred up to this point, the decline of Hellenism in Smyrna after 2,500 years of Greek habitation there was, and still is, a tragic event not only for Greek people but also, the Turkish country itself. Both countries made terrible mistakes during the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1922, and it appears that in all their fighting and power plays, they forgot the fact that the Greeks of Smyrna were innocent pawns, stuck in the middle of a war which was way out of control. With the accompanying population exchanges of 1923 between Greece and Turkey, Turkey lost something forever which distinguished it vastly from other countries - a sense of refined polyethnicity, to a country with a single main culture.

The national move towards a "Turkey for the Turks" in these years, while on the one hand expressing a need to define oneself apart from other cultures, also reflected a country which was not being true to itself, effectively saying that the country was exclusively for Turkish people, and not to be shared, and enjoyed, by anyone else. It was also a denial of the fact that Greek people had lived in Asia Minor for many years - even before the entrance of the Turkish peoples, and that these people deserved, as much as the Turkish people did, to remain in the country, seeing their longstanding history of habitation there. The events of 1922 also suggested a sense that Turkish identity in this time was not a clearly defined matter, this evident from the actions of the perpetrators of the catastrophe. Apart from this, there was also a sense of insecurity entangled within this, that supposedly "foreigners" or the "European" element was to blame for this. It can be seen that multiculturalism, though, when handled properly, reaps rewards for everyone.

Take the case of Australia, presently a multicultural nation. Once a staid and colourless country, the entrance of multicultural elements brought with it new horizons which challenged the status quo, and initiated a wave of patriotism which did not exist in its inhabitants prior. Multiculturalism has enriched the country in a manner which would once have seemed inconceivable years ago. While problems are always bound to occur, as with anything, Australia is a successful example of how multiculturalism works well. Turkey was a country which once had a fine multicultural mix - I can only imagine how culturally barren it became after the exodus of Greek and other cultures. In Australia's case, subtract the contributions made by ethnic minorities, and their customs, and way of life, and you would be left with a very sterile country which would not living up to its potential, and, which would not be at the point it is today, without doubt.

 

Let us move forward to today, 2012, being 90 years after the Smyrna Genocide, The Great Fire of Smyrna, and the Asia Minor Catastrophe. It appears that Turkey is in the middle of a re-assessment of its history and this can mean only positive things for the recognition of Hellenism in Smyrna, and, indeed, all of Turkey. I also believe that there is a deep sense of underlying remorse on the part of Turkey regarding the Smyrna Greek Genocide, The Great Fire of Smyrna, and the Asia Minor Catastrophe, and  a number of positive events in modern history bear out this movement. Witness the re-building of various destroyed and or dilapidated churches around the country. This is both a heart-rending moment in history, and, simultaneously, very gratifying for Greek people of Asia Minor heritage to witness the re-emergence of their culture which was lost in Turkey, to be finally given the recognition it deserves. For more information about this, please read here.

The possibility of an admission on the part of Turkey of its role in the Greek Genocide, and related incidents may not be forthcoming in the near future, but, this is not a given. This issue will always be a silent problem between both countries, but, if finally addressed in an appropriate manner, it will allow both countries to heal, and finally come to terms with what happened in the past. While nothing can ever reverse what happened in Smyrna in 1922, this would go some way in assisting those Greek families whose relatives lived, fled, or, were martyred in Smyrna, find some form of peace, and give their beloved ancestors' memories justice at long last.

Σ' αγαπώ γιατί εισ' ωραία - Πέτρος Γαϊτάνος: I Love You Because You Are Beautiful

One of the most famous Greek songs of Smyrna was Σ' αγαπώ γιατί εισ' ωραία (I Love You Because You Are Beautiful). This rendition, performed by noted chanteur of Byzantine music Petros Gaitanos, is a beautiful exploration of the relationship of a man and a woman, typical of Greek songs of Smyrna, but, this is a more intimate, introspective examination of male-female unions than other songs of Greek Smyrna.

 

It details how a man worships the ground on which his lady love walks on, but, she has shut him out, and he is pleading with her to let him back into her life. Like all the Greek songs of Smyrna, it is seemingly simplistic on the surface, but, it delves into human nature, and humanity, in a manner which is still very relevant to this day.

 

Its spare approach to physical detail weaves an affecting, haunting narrative which remains long in the mind, even after the listener has soaked it in. In addition to this, as with the other songs of Greek Smyrna, it contains a rich subtext which can be read any number of ways, and, definitely benefits from repeated plays to unfold the many hidden layers of meaning which it beholds.

Ist Year of Blog - SMYRNA GREEK CONNECTION

Today marks the 1st anniversary of my blog, SMYRNA GREEK CONNECTION. It has been an interesting journey through a topic close to my, and my family's hearts, and a subject which cannot be easily summarised into a few words, which I'm certain many others will agree with. The Greek population of Smyrna were a unique people who were leaders in their time, in terms of their attitudes towards the family, the arts, music, cuisine, publishing, philosophy, education... the list of their achievements goes on. It is heartening that they are also many other people who are interested in the Greek inhabitants of Smyrna, and I have witnessed this first-hand through the blog.

I am happy to say that SMYRNA GREEK CONNECTION has been viewed all over the world, with the five countries which have shown a major interest being Australia, United States, Russia, Germany and Greece. The blog has also been viewed in countries such as Belgium, Canada, United Kingdom, South Korea, Romania, Netherlands, Hungary, Malaysia, Mexico and, of course, Turkey. This is the one country whose present inhabitants I believe possess a growing curiosity, and interest, about those people who once lived in their country since antiquity, and contributed so much to what is now known as modern-day Izmir, Turkey (Asia Minor).

I also believe that present-day Turks, especially those of the younger generation, would be fascinated to know more about the Greek, and other peoples, who once populated the city of Smyrna, and left their indelible stamp on the city, which would only enrich their knowledge of their country.

Μενιδιάτης Μιχάλης - Το Χαρικλάκι (Hariklaki -sung by Mihalis Menidiatis)

One of the most spirited songs to have emerged out of Smyrna is Το Χαρικλάκι (Hariklaki). It was based upon a Turkish song which originated from Smyrna, which the Greek refugees from Smyrna brought with them to Greece. The song was adapted for the Greek-speaking audience and the rest, as they say, is history. The song is about a free-spirited, uninhibited, flirty young woman who is equally adept at leading men on, breaking their hearts, and, enjoying her life to the fullest. This rendition, sung by popular Greek singer Mihalis Menidiatis, is my personal favorite, and his relaxed style of singing only emphasises the antics of the incorrigible Hariklaki.

ΤΟ ΑΛΑΤΙ ΤΗΣ ΓΗΣ 18-12-2011 (Μικρασιάτικο) The Salt of the Earth (Greek Asia Minor Tribute Show) from ERT Greek TV

One of the most entertaining televised tributes to Asia Minor, ΤΟ ΑΛΑΤΙ ΤΗΣ ΓΗΣ (Salt of the Earth) specifically devoted to the music and customs of both Smyrna and Nea Erythrai, was broadcast recently on the excellent Greek ERT public channel. It was a program filled with a cavalcade of Greek Smyrnaean music largely sung by noted Greek singer of Asia Minor music, Iasemi Saragouda, who is of Asia Minor family heritage, accompanied by her musician husband, Nikos. The program also featured discussions of Greek life in Asia Minor, food delicacies, and other such interesting information. Without any further ado, I hope that you enjoy this special as much as my family and I did, and also share in the sheer magic, and joy, of Greek Smyrna and Asia Minor!

Δεν σε θέλω πια - Σμυρνέϊκο / De se thelo pia - Traditional song of Greek Smyrna

Continuing our exploration of the songs of Greek Smyrna, Δεν σε θέλω πια, (I Don't Want You Anymore), is another of the most famous songs of Greek Smyrna, and a personal favourite. As with many of the songs of Greek Smyrna, it details a relationship between a man and a woman, and how this has gone awry as of late.

In its light-hearted and philosophical way, it describes how even though there still exists an attraction between the two people in the song, not even feminine wiles on the lady's part can save them, as the man is in love with another woman, a which fact he refers to without even batting an eyelid! 

This is a seemingly simplistic song which invites the listener to revel in its cheeky antics but which, below the surface, like all the songs of Greek Smyrna, is tremendously observant of human nature, and gives an insight into how the Greek people of Smyrna saw life in all its various spheres.

Eleftheria Arvanitaki - Tha Spaso Koupes: A Fine Example of a Smyrneiko Song

It is well-known that the Greek citizens of Smyrna were a people with inimitable views on life, love, cooking, philosophy, family and the arts, just for starters. THA SPASO KOUPES, performed in this version by famous Greek singer Eleftheria Arvanitaki, is one of the most famous Smyrneika songs, eloquently expressing the spirit and character of the Greeks of Smyrna in a breezy, light manner. It details how a young woman has exchanged harsh words with a man, and consequently breaks off their relationship. In spite of still harbouring some feelings for him, she has decided to extricate herself from her relationship with him, and take the experience in her stride. She indulges in dance, specifically the tsifteteli, to effectively remove, and cleanse this person from her consciousness. I sincerely hope you enjoy this song, and notice how its lyrics have stood the test of time, even after many years.

Portrait of a Greek Smyrna Lady: Efthalia Kokkinogenis ΕΥΘΑΛΙΑ ΚΟΚΚΙΝΟΓΕΝΗ

I have posted a beautiful photograph of my great-grandmother, Efthalia Kokkinogenis, who lived her life in Smyrna, and, unfortunately, lost her life at a very young age there. Daughter of Vasiliki, my great-great grandmother, wife of Manolis Kokkinogenis, my great-grandfather, and mother of Maria Kokkinogenis, my grandmother (later Maria Coroneos, wife of Christoforos Coroneos of Cairo, Egypt), my great-grandmother, Efthalia, lived a brief but happy life, with her husband Manoli, who owned a large cafe in Smyrna, and daughter Maria.

Efthalia gave birth to two children, one of them being daughter Maria, but, tragically lost her baby son, and never had any other children. Efthalia passed away at the age of thirty-three, leaving her husband Manoli widowed. Manoli never remarried after his wife's death, and vowed to look after his daughter Maria. He did this with the able assistance of his mother-in-law, Vasiliki, and her sister, Stelia Skouros. Maria's time with her father was also cut short, though, as Manoli died as the result of an accident, and, Maria had now lost both of her parents. Thereafter, Maria was raised by her loving maternal grandmother, Vasiliki, and Maria's Aunt Stelia, who did their very best to help Maria adjust to the loss of both her parents, and provide a safe, nurturing and loving home for Maria.