"Στην άκρη των χειλιών το ναι" Part 3

The third part of this documentary goes into detail about the architectural, and other features of the building erected for the Greek refugees of Asia Minor in Athens. A gentleman of refugee parents recounts how he lived in the building from birth, and how he still lives there. His home has been lovingly refurbished, and updated by him in keeping with the style of the building. He also elaborates upon the advantages of living in this building, for example, how it does not feel like living in an apartment block. Please enjoy part three of this documentary.

"Στην άκρη των χειλιών το ναι" Part 2

The second part of this documentary initially deals with the competition faced by the Greek people of Asia Minor for employment in Greece after their arrival in Greece, and the difficulties they faced with this. It also deals with the housing of these people in Athens, and how a building was erected in the 1930s to house them. It features an examination of their status in Greek in terms of personal wealth, and how they were seen as having had a financial worth from their assets in Turkey, and the complications of this matter. Please enjoy the second part of this fascinating documentary.

"Στην άκρη των χειλιών το ναι" Part One

The burning of Greek Smyrna in 1922, the massacre of its population, and the consequent, and unjust, expulsion of its remaining Greek citizens, is vividly portrayed by this video, which touchingly depicts these events through the employment of archival footage, and eyewitness accounts from those directly affected by these events. It also delves into the horrific time that these people endured in makeshift houses in Greece, and other substandard conditions. They say that pictures paint a thousand words, and seeing these images only makes one understand the plight of Greek people of Smyrna at this point in time, and sympathize fully with them.

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.