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.