Barba Giannakaki sung by Haris Alexiou: ΧΑΡΙΣ ΑΛΕΞΙΟΥ-ΜΠΑΡΜΠΑΓΙΑΝΝΑΚΑΚΗΣ

The Greek people of Smyrna were a people who placed tremendous importance upon their families, especially being protective of their wives, and female children. The virtue of the Greek women of Smyrna was something which was much cherished, and continues to be discussed to this day.  The song Barba Giannakaki (ΜΠΑΡΜΠΑΓΙΑΝΝΑΚΑΚΗΣ) is notable for a number of reasons. This rousing song is an examination of two men, who each seek something different from the song's heroine, Marikaki.

 

Marikaki's father, Barba Giannakaki, is a man who is fiercely protective of his daughter, and sees his daughter's prospective husband as a threat to both his daughter's, and his own, welfare. He doles out threats to him, saying in no uncertain terms that he does not deserve his daughter. On the other hand, Marikaki's beau, while not as openly hostile as his prospective father-in-law, is not himself totally scrupulous; even though he seems to love her, it is implied that his intentions may not be totally honourable, as he has his eye on Marikaki's dowry. The song is an entertaining tug of war between the two men, each putting their side of the matter to the listener, but a situation which is largely without a resolution of any sort. It allows the listener to make up their own minds as to the validity of each man's claim, and presents both sides with equal aplomb.

The song is brilliantly brought to life by the famous Greek singer Haris Alexiou, herself of Greek Smyrna family origin. It is so vividly sung that the listener forgets their current time and place, and becomes immersed in a world much different to now, but which also seems very modern. The song deals beautifully with the universal themes of family and relationships which were a hallmark of Greek Smyrna music, and with an earthy, realistic, but very sympathetic edge to its characters.

 

Musical Tribute to the songs of Greek Smyrna by the Volos School of Music - Mουσικό Σχολείο Βόλου (Αφιέρωμα-Σμύρνη)

Please enjoy this musical tribute to Greek Smyrna on ΣΤΗΝ ΥΓΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ, a program broadcast worldwide on the excellent ERT Channel, complete with renditions of classic Greek Smyrnaean songs by the talented singers of the Volos School of Music (Mουσικό Σχολείο Βόλου).

Happy Easter 2013 from Smyrna Greek Connection

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter for 2013, and thank you for following my blog. I hope has been an inspiration for those who are, like myself, of Smyrna Asia Minor descent, and, those who are interested in the Greek people of Smyrna, and their great contributions to Hellenism. May the memory of the Greek people of Smyrna be blessed, and always remembered. Happy Easter to all.

Souvenirs of Greek Smyrna by Giannis Adrimis

This is a fascinating collection of carte postale images of Greek Smyrna which speak volumes about, and cast a further spotlight upon, the life of the Greek people who lived there, with comparisons to modern-day Izmir interspersed to place the images within an historical context.

 

Smyrna, Izmir, In Memory of cosmopolitical Smyrna - More Unforgettable Images

This is another wonderful video which highlights more of the inimitable sights, images and unforgettable distinguishing features which made Greek Smyrna such a memorable city in history.

Ελληνική Σμύρνη GREEK SMYRNA

In the second part of our exploration of Greek Smyrna, this video enters into more detail about the institutions and customs which defined Greek Smyrna, and set it apart from other cities. It describes how Greek Smyrna was a very well-organised, and balanced city in terms of having facilities which were world-class, and very advanced for their time. As a small barometer of its achievements, Greek Smyrna boasted 9 hospitals, with specialists who were leaders in their fields, 387 schools, with 1944 teachers, and 63,000 male and female students.

 

Smyrna was also proud to have the Evangelical School (H Ευαγγελική Σχολή), a prestigious institution amongst whose graduates included Adamantios Korais, Manolis Kalomiris, and Aristotle Onassis, to name just a few famous alumni. The video also includes privileged snapshots of the life of Greek Smyrna citizens, ranging from the hospitals, theatre, entertainment district, and many other revealing photos and facts. I hope you enjoy this journey into a fascinating era which exemplified the sheer excellence, and high standards which the Greek people of Smyrna upheld so well, with their characteristic grace, and serene disposition.

 

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.