ΘΑ ΣΠΑΣΩ ΚΟΥΠΕΣ, 1928, ΜΑΡΙΚΑ ΠΑΠΑΓΚΙΚΑ (THA SPASO KOUPES) 1928 version performed by Marika Papagika

In looking back at the songs of Greek Smyrna, it is interesting to place these in an historical context compared to current versions performed by musical artists. While the tempo and pace of the newer versions is faster in comparison to versions around the time of the song's release, this video rendition of THA SPASO KOUPES from 1928 is revealing as a memento both of times past, but also, indicative of changing musical tastes and singing styles. This is also a very useful guide to the song's lyrics, and a helpful tool in becoming acquainted with these, which, like all the luminous songs of Greek Smyrna, is very pleasurable indeed to undertake!

Γλυκερία - Θα Σπάσω Kούπες - Glykeria's rendition of "Tha Spaso Koupes" (I'll Break Cups)

The songs of Greek Smyrna have been performed on countless occasions, and by many vocal artists the world over. The song Θα Θα Σπάσω Kούπες πάσω Kούπες (I'll Break Cups) is of no exception. In this rendition by famed Greek singer Glykeria, she takes us into the narrative world of this familiar song, but adds to it her distinctive husky tone, and persona. There is just something about her performance of this song which resonates the feeling that one is going back in time into life in Greek Smyrna, and they are actually witnessing the events which are described in the song. Please enjoy this video, which I hope you find entertaining.

Merry Christmas, and Please Enjoy Listening to Χαρούλα Αλεξίου - Δημητρούλα Mου (HARIS ALEXIOU - Dimitroula Mou)

One of the most famous and exuberant songs of Greek Smyrna is Δημητρούλα Mου (Dimitroula Mou) sung in this version by the incomparable Greek chanteuse of Smyrna origin, Haris Alexiou. As with her other renditions of Greek Smyrna songs, Haris takes the listener into the world of the strong-willed, flighty Dimitroula, for whose favours men would give anything, such is her immense charm and affability. I hope you enjoy this song, and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year for 2014. Thank you for your support of my blog this year, and I shall bring you much more of Greek Smyrna in the New Year.

Pastitsio: A Divine Culinary Masterpiece which hails from Greek Smyrna

One of the most delicious foods to have emerged from the inspiring kitchens of Greek Smyrna is pastitsio, a family favourite for many years. A beautiful, creamy combination of pasta, mince, cheese, tomatoes and other delectable ingredients, it is a dish which is very filling, and a delight to the senses whilst it is cooking, and a joy to behold for the palate while it is being devoured. Please enjoy the accompanying video which details how to prepare pastitsio which I hope you find informative and interesting.

 

Georgos Dalaras' rendition of Η Προσφυγιά (I Prosfygia)

The plight of the refugees who fled war-torn Smyrna in 1922 have been well-documented in historical annals, and their immense sufferings touched the hearts of many worldwide. The song Η Προσφυγιά (I PROSFYGIA) sung by Georgos Dalaras, highlights the difficulties faced by the refugees of Greek Smyrna, their sense of displacement, and their concern about where they would live, and their lives in general, after the tragic events of 1922. It is a song rich in meaning in its own subtle manner, and leaves the listener to ponder the sacrifices made by the Greek refugees, and the life that they left behind forever, not of their own accord.

91st Year Commemoration of the Smyrna Greek Genocide, Great Fire of Smyrna, and the Asia Minor Catastrophe

Today marks the 91st year since the Smyrna Greek Genocide, Great Fire of Smyrna, and the Asia Minor Catastrophe. As with every year, we remember the Greek people of Smyrna who lost their lives, and the other Greek Smyrnaeans who escaped with their lives, and only the clothes on their backs, to establish new lives, and become acquainted with a new way of life in other countries. 
 

 

As the years pass by, I keep returning to the consensus that this horrific act could have been avoided by all parties involved in this conflict, and that things could have been very different if it never occurred. While it is always easy to reflect on matters in hindsight, it makes me think about how things would have been if these events never occurred.

 

Would Smyrna still have a burgeoning Greek community to this day, or, would a number of pogroms or other crimes have been committed to force the Greek citizens of Smyrna to leave their place of birth? If things never came to a head in this way, and Greek and Turkish people still lived together in Smyrna, how would Turkish people envision Greek people in the current day?

 

Unfortunately these are questions that will never be answered, but the current good relations between both countries is heartening, despite their tortured mutual histories. It is always mindful to remember that history cannot be re-written, and denials of what really happened in Smyrna in 1922 are not helpful, and this incident will appear at the most unexpected of times. Any which way, may God rest the souls of those who suffered in Smyrna, and may their relatives long cherish their spirit, and be mindful of the sacrifices they had to make.

Μια Σμυρνιά στο παραθύρι ( A Smyrna Woman in the Window)

One of the most beautiful songs dedicated to the Greek women of Smyrna is Μια Σμυρνιά στο παραθύρι (A Smyrna Woman in the Window). It is a tribute to these distinctive and resourceful women who were the backbone of Greek Smyrna, whose courage and utterly unflappable nature, in retrospect, is awe-inspiring, and an inspiration, and example for all to follow, in their understated, but elegant, way.