"Στην άκρη των χειλιών το ναι" Part 6

The continued deterioration of the buildings largely serves as the rationale to have these demolished, due to their state as an eyesore in the urban landscape. Several tenants have sold on the basis that they may be forced to vacate the building at some point if there is a need for this to happen. One owner states that this is a vicious cycle for him, being that he may have to leave involuntarily, as his father was a refugee, and that, ironically, he will be in the same position if he has to leave his house. Part Six also touches upon the fact that there is interest on the part of developers in the land, but not in saving the present structure.

"Στην άκρη των χειλιών το ναι" Part 5

Over the course of time, demographic and other changes made their impact in the areas where the refugees settled. The entrance of immigrants from the Balkan countries and Albania were significant. It is also interesting how there are both business buildings and a hospital in close vicinity which stand in contrast to the refugee housing settlement. This has had a negative effect on the quality of life in this area with unregulated parking issues and other problems stemming from poor Council practices. Please enjoy part five of this documentary.

"Στην άκρη των χειλιών το ναι" Part 4

Part Four explores how the refugee families who lived in this building retreated during World War II to the Panathinaiko Stadium for shelter, but that this was not the safest place for them either. The British planes caused the exterior damage to the buildings during the wartime, and this remains to the present. There is also a movement to demolish the buildings, which is vehemently opposed by the current tenants. I hope you find this instalment of interest.

"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!