Asia Minor Exhibit Opens at NYC Greek Consulate During Christmas Season

 The  exhibition ‘Echoes of Asia Minor: Life, Catastrophe and Resilience’ opened on Tuesday, November 29th, at the NYC Greek Consulate at 69 E 79th St. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, with President  Giannis Koutoulias of the  Asia Minor Association of Egaleo “Nees Kydonies” & the Museum of Asia Minor Culture of Egaleo collaborated on this event.

          “Many New Yorkers are descended from Asia Minor refugees,” said  Consul General of Greece in New York, Konstantinos Konstantinou  at a Tuesday, November 28^th interview on Dimitri Filippides HellasFM program. “Americans must learn about their history: the uprooting of Greek civilization in Asia Minor, their coming to continental Greece and immigration to the USA. For 15 months I have been dreaming of this amazing exhibition about the Asia Minor Catastrophe that was shown in the Athens Benaki Museum. I am happy to make this project a reality.” 

Greek welcome of army, Ephesus, Turkey– courtesy of War Museum, Tripolis, Greece

         

“We encourage schools and groups to come .” said Consular General Konstantinou. “The purpose of the exhibit is for youth to see and learn.” 2023 is the 100^th anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne that resulted in the population exchange of Greeks from their ancestral homeland in Asia Minor  to Greece and immigration overseas to America. The Asia Minor refugees came during the first wave of immigration from 1900-1924. America opened its doors to the persecuted Christians of Western Anatolia.

          President Koutoulias added “The Asia Minor Catastrophe is never covered in history books. 11/2 million Greeks from Asia Minor came to Greece. Their immigration changed the face of Greece. They were not welcomed and persecuted in many ways. They struggled in Greece with Greeks.”

          “We are all Mikrasiates (Greeks of Asia Minor), explained journalist/radio anchor Dimitri Filippidis on his program. “We have friends and neighbors from Asia Minor. They are part of our Greek society.”

“What do Homer, Herodotus, Thales, Strabo, and Diogenes have in common? They all were born, not in what is now modern Greece, but rather in Asia Minor. The ancient Greeks of Asia Minor were crucial to the development of Western poetry, prose, history, medicine, philosophy, and science. Indeed, they were the first great thinkers of antiquity. Yet, many teachers do not convey to their students the remarkable Hellenic presence in Asia Minor and the magnificent contributions these Greeks made to the world. Nor do they tell of the horrible ending to the Greek presence in Asia Minor, through a decade of genocide that may have claimed as many as one million Greek lives”¹

Why was Asia Minor, known in history as Ionia important in Ancient Greece? The HistoryDisclosure online page explains that “Ionia was a region in ancient Greece that played a significant role in the development of Greek culture and civilization. The Ionians were one of the four main tribes that inhabited Greece, and their influence can still be felt today in modern Western culture. It was an area rich in natural resources, including fertile soil, abundant timber, and valuable minerals. The region was also strategically located on the eastern edge of the Aegean Sea, making it an important center for trade and commerce.

View of Stadium, Ephesus, Turkey.

Ionia was also home to some of the most famous philosophers in ancient Greece. Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes were all from Miletus, a city located in Ionia. These philosophers were known for their contributions to early Greek science and philosophy. Ionia was also home to some of the most beautiful examples of ancient Greek art and architecture. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and remains an impressive example of ancient Greek architecture to this day.

Library of Celsus, Ephesus, Turkey

The city-state of Athens is often credited with being the birthplace of democracy. However, many scholars argue that Ionia actually played a crucial role in the development of democratic ideals. The Ionian city-states were known for their democratic governments and were a model for other Greek city-states to follow. Ionia’s democratic ideals influenced the development of democracy in other Greek city-states. Overall, Ionia played a significant role in shaping the course of Western civilization as we know it today.”²

”The beauty of Smyrna was not the houses or streets. The beauty of Smyrna was us, the Greeks, the Romans, the Smyrneoi…. The beauty of the Greeks was not the locations or the marbles. It was the bravery (Leventia) they had in their souls,” said author Angela Papazoglou. Visit the NYC Greek Consulate exhibition to relive our roots.

Ionian sculptures, Izmir Museum

Reverence:

1. https://nationalhellenicmuseum.org/greeks-asia-minor/
2. https://historydisclosure.com/why-was-ionia-important-in-ancient-greece/
3. Links
4.  
5. https://www.qgazette.com/articles/the-lost-hellenic-tseme-province-communities/
6. https://nomadicjoe.blogspot.com/2010/10/izimir-revisited-by-descendent-of-asia.html
7. https://greekamericanexperience.wordpress.com/2020/02/27/ninety-years-after-the-first-expulsion-of-greeks-from-tseme/
8. https://greekreporter.com/2014/09/28/why-should-we-remember-the-asia-minor-catastrophe/

Photos:

1. Poster, https://www.facebook.com/GreeceinNY/

Remembering Apostolia Papadopoulou: Guardian of Asia Minor’s Cultural Heritage

The tale of the refugee describes the Greek Nation from the Fall of Constantinople till the 1821 Greek Revolution. “For a good man to leave  his city, his rich fields and go a-begging is of all things the most miserable. Wandering with mother dear and aged father with little children and wedded wife. For hateful shall such an one be among all those to whom he be among, all those to whom he shall come in bondage, to want loathsome penury (poverty) and doth shame to his lineage and belie his noble beauty followed by all evil and dishonor,” – ancient Greek poet Tyrtaeus.¹

            The late Apostolia Papadopoulou.

Exile, a person without a country was the life of a Greek. But it was more bitter for the vast and less fortunate majority of Greeks from the conquered Byzantine Empire. Victor Davis Hanson, Classicist, military historian, and political commentator explained the horrific treatment of Greeks and Armenians who experienced genocide under Ottoman rule. “Greeks experienced from 1453 with the Fall of Constantinople, 400 years of Ottoman rule that ended in horrific treatment in Smyrna 1922,” he said.²

            Dr. Isaak Papadopoulos, Assistant Professor of Pedagogy and Literacy Department of Early Childhood Education and Care at the International Hellenic University Thessaloniki, Alexander Campus in Sindos, related the amazing story of his late grandmother, Apostolia Papadopoulou, who passed away in October 2023. Mrs. Papadopoulou was “ a remarkable individual whose roots traced back to the rich cultural tapestry of Asia Minor. She passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy deeply intertwined with the heritage and traditions of her ancestors. Apostolia Papadopoulou was not only a guardian of her family’s cultural heritage, but also a beloved grandmother.” She inspired Dr. Isaak Papadopoulos to be a scholar, contributing to the perpetuation of the culture of the Greek community of Asia Minor/Western Anatolia. Grandparents inspire their grandchildren to remember their family’s roots.

            Flooded Omorfohori, September 2023

“Her life’s work revolved around preserving the traditional way of life of the Asia Minor people,” explained Dr. Papadopoulos. “She did so from the heart of Omorfochori in Larissa, Greece. Apostolia Papadopoulou’s story is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of the Greek people who, over the centuries, endured challenges and upheavals while preserving their unique cultural identity. Born to a family with roots in Asia Minor, Apostolia was deeply connected to a heritage that was rich in traditions, cuisine, music, and language. Her ancestors had once called Asia Minor home until the population exchange of 1923, when they were forced to leave their ancestral land and make Greece their new home.”

  – Agios Giorgo, before the flood

“Apostolia’s life unfolded in the charming village of Omorfochori, nestled in the region of Larissa, Greece,” said Professor Papadopoulos. “Here, she dedicated herself to preserving the traditional way of life and customs of the Asia Minor people. Omorfochori became a haven for those who sought refuge from the turbulent times of the early 20th century. It was within this picturesque village that Apostolia’s unwavering commitment to her roots came to life.

She was a guardian of the traditional cuisine, cooking up recipes passed down through generations, ensuring that the flavors of Asia Minor were not lost to time. Her kitchen was a place where generations gathered to savor the culinary delights of her ancestors, sharing stories and bonding over the meals that connected them to their past. Apostolia Papadopoulou’s legacy extended beyond her preservation of cultural traditions.” Her grandson, Dr. Isaak Papadopoulos, inherited her passion for preserving their family’s heritage. Together, they continued to document and share the stories, songs, and recipes that had been passed down through the generations.  Her dedication to preserving the traditions, flavors, and sounds of her ancestors ensured that the legacy of Asia Minor lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her and the generations to come. Her life’s work in the charming village of Omorfochori in Larissa, Greece, serves as a shining example of the enduring power of cultural heritage and the profound impact one person can have in preserving it.

Sts. Raphael and Nicholas before the flood

They did not have cell phones, no welfare, food stamps, free lunches, medical care, or advocacy groups trying to help them. The Western Anatolia refugees were from the business, maritime and education communities, The 1922 refugees of the Greek Genocide of Asia Minor in Western Anatolia, were destroyed by Western Powers, who dismembered the Ottoman Empire by using ultra nationalistic groups. They came to Greece, traumatized with Greek Orthodox icons. “Unwelcomed,” said Scholar Efrosini Mancini of a Constantinople Family with Phanariot roots (Greek ruling class of Ottoman Empire). “No one wanted the 1923 refugees.” Called “”tourkospori” or “seeds of the Turks”, they came to Greece with their knowledge of Greek language, civilization, and Greek Orthodoxy.

I met Dr. Isaak from a workshop hosted by the Greek teachers Association “Prometheus”. His research shows the Asia Minor refugees built churches and schools, transforming their area. “My village was named “Nechali” as there were only some native people there when refugees from Asia Minor came,” explained Dr. Isaak. “They created a new village just next to Nechali and they renamed it ‘Omorfochori’, My great grandmother told me that when she came to Greece, she felt really sad. She was afraid because of the unknown. They came to Omorfochori. They were given a small building for a house and a cow. They tried to survive.  They did it because they were very hard working.”

            “Naturally, the refugees focused on two key factors: religion and education., explained Dr. Isaak. “The religious faith of the people of Asia Minor was great. There was a chapel in almost every house. They also showed great reverence during the holidays as most of them fasted, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays. Priests were also respected and loved like their parents. Respect for the elders was the main element then. The metropolis of the village was the church of Agios Athanasios… Agios Charalambos in Hassambali,  Ascension Church on Mount Mopsio and the church of Agios Georgios, in the center of the present village.

            Omorfohori, the village that Mrs. Apostolia Papadopoulou was destroyed at the end of her life in September 2023. Hurricane Daniel destroyed Magnesia, Karditsa, Larissa and Central Greece was s destroyed by rains, floods, and rising waters of the Pineios river. Palamas, Omorfohori and other villages have vanished under floods and mud.  Dr. Papadopoulos believes “Though the Floodwaters have changed the landscape of our lives, they can never wash away the spirit of our community. We may be scattered, but we remain united in our hearts.”⁴

             

Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Konstantinou, explained on October, 20, 2023 at radio host/journalist Dimitris Filippidis program that “an exhibition of the Asia Minor Catastrophe will be held from November through December. All that happened in Western Anatolia is part of the Greek nation’s history. This must be kept alive. Our youth must remember who and what we are. Grandchildren must learn about their grandparents lives and history in Asia Minor.who and what we are.

            Mrs. Apostolia Papadopoulous’ legacy is in the hearts of the persons who enjoyed her culture stories with her Asia Minor cuisine. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”- Pericles.

All photos by Dr. Isaak Papadopoulos.

References:

1. https://www.greeknewsusa.com/remembering-the-200th-anniversary-of-greece-independence-the-origins-of-the-greek-nation/
2. https://victorhanson.com/the-origins-of-war-in-gaza/
3. https://greekamericanexperience.wordpress.com/2020/10/23/what-happened-to-the-survivors-of-the-1923-asia-minor-catastrophe/
4. https://hellenicnews.com/greece-2023-thessaly-destruction/

Photos:

Photo 1- The late Apostolia Papadopoulou with grandson Dr. Isaak Papadopoulos

Photo 2- Flooded Omorfohori, September 2023

Photo 3- Agios Giorgos, before the flood

Photo4- Sts. Raphael and Nicholas before the flood

Photo5- September 9^th Omorfohori.

What happened to the survivors of the 1923 Asia Minor Catastrophe?

Traditional Gaitanaki Dance of Thessaly

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage” – Seneca

They did not have welfare? No food stamps, free lunches, medical care or advocacy groups trying to id them. Business merchant, maritime merchants with their boats, scholars, factory owners, the 1922 refugees of the Greek Genocide in Asia Minor is Western Anatolia, destroyed by Western Powers who dismembered the Ottoman Empire by using ultra nationalistic groups.

Agios Charalambos Church, Omorfohori.

They came to Greece, traumatized with Greek Orthodox icons. “Unwelcomed,” said Scholar Efrosini Mancini of a Constantinople Family with Phanariote roots (Greek ruling class I’d Ottoman Empire). “No one wanted the 1923 refugees.”

Called “”tourkospori” or “seeds of the Turks”, they came to Greece with their knowledge of Greek language, civilization and Greek Orthodoxy. Dr Isaak Papadopoulos, international scholar, professor in CyprusCollaborator of Greek Teschers Association Prometheus, related an amazing story of survival of the “Asia Minor refugees of Larissa”, Thessaly, Central Greece.

Agios Georgios, Omorfohori

It is 98 years after the Asia Minor Catastrophe. That is the reason why many of us are in 2020 America. Original research on survivors in central Greece was provided by Dr. Isaak Papadopoulos, of the European University Cyprus in Nicosia/Lefkosia. Cyprus. I met Dr. Isaak from a workshop hosted by the Greek teachers Association “Prometheus”. His research shows the Asia Minor refugees built churches, schools, transforming their area.

My village was named “Nechali” as there were only some native people there when refugees from Asia Minor came,” explained Dr. Isaak “They created  new village just next to Nechali and they renamed it ‘Omorfochori’, My great grandmother told me that when she came to Greece, she felt really sad. She was afraid because of the unknown. They came to Omorfochori, they were given a small building for a house and a cow. They tried to survive.  They did it because they were very hard working.”

Sts. Raphael and Nicholas Church. Omorfohori

Wikipedia explains “The Omorfochori Larissa is a settlement belonging to the Municipality of Platykampos in Kileler municipality located in the region of Thessaly , in accordance with the administrative division of Greece as incorporated by the program “Kallikratis” . The village, also known as Nehali, originally consisted of the estate of Scaliora …. in a relatively barren and unhealthy area. After 1923, Greek refugees settled from the Cappadocia region ( Nevsehir , Jalela and Potamia ^[2] ), many of whom died of malaria .The name of the village is due to a translation of the name of the village Tzelela or Cemil in Greek .”².

            Dr. Isaak said there was not a school when the refugees came to Omorfochori. “  Only a teacher taught 5-6 children, he said. “In 1927 the Single Elementary School of the village operated which was housed in the cells of the church. Obviously, somewhat older children would go to this school. According to the testimony of Despina Tsopouroglou, she and a few other children were taught in a house by a lady in reading, writing and arithmetic. In 1930 the school became Ditaxio. It was housed in the old school building of the old Settlement, which probably remained from the Ottoman Empire the “Mekteb Rouchate”. The new primary school was built in 1935 at the expense of all residents. The school, however, suffered severe damage due to the earthquakes and was rebuilt. Today’s primary school started operating, renewed with the recruitment of private staff . It now has a tertiary or post-secondary secondary education school. It is worth mentioning here that of Omorfochori was awarded by the Academy of Athens,  for its large courtyard with many the Primary School trees and greenery.

Sts. Raphael and Nicholas Church Omorfohori

The professor explained “They created so many things in Omorfochori. All the women were very good at cooking traditional Minor Asian foods. my grandmother’s -Apostolia- favourite food is “Mantou”. It is short pasta with yoghurt. They used to eat when celebrating St John Russian from Cappadocia. The refugees had no contact with the natives and were isolated. They preferred to marry each other rather than mixed. The opposition of the natives and the refugees was not expressed in the form of an open confrontation. For a long time, however, the term refugee was derogatory. Indigenous people often talked about refugee ethos and cosmopolitan behavior, as well as their tendency to have fun. On the other hand, the refugees talked about the low educational level of the natives. In general, there was initially a state of opposition between these two sides.” They lost their homelands in Anatolia because they were Greek. Scholar/educator Efrosini Mancini, an immigrant from Constantinople (Istanbul) said “No one wanted us”.

Dr. Isaac continued saying “in 1928 the name of the village was changed. From Nehali it was now called Omorfochori F.E.K. / 156/1928 as most of the refugees came from Omorfochori in Central Asia. The first president of Omorfochori was Abraham Anastasiadis. Later in 1931, the first nucleus of the Agricultural Party of Greece was created in Omorfochori and Larissa under the leadership of Prodromos Kanakis. Prodromos Kanakis was a special personality for the village. He created Omorfochori as an example of a village in the whole Thessalian Plain. While the names of other former presidents are typically mentioned, Michael Sideridis (1932) Savvas Perivolopoulos (1933-4) Prodromos Kanakis (1934-36-1945) etc.”

“Naturally, the refugees focused on two key factors: religion and education., explained Dr. Isaak. “The religious faith of the people of Asia Minor was great. There was a chapel in almost every house. They also showed great reverence during the holidays as most of them fasted, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays. Priests were also respected and loved like their parents. Respect for the elders was the main element then. The metropolis of the village was the church of Agios Athanasios, that was operated by Myron Pitsolakis the archimandrite. This church was very old and was accidentally burned by a candle in the Resurrection. It was built in 1869 during the Ottoman Empire with the contribution of the whole village. When the refugees came to the village, they brought to the temple relics such as a wing, banners, silver disks and chalice and the precious Gospel. Finally, the icons of the Saints of the church, which date from 1850, are of great value, while the refugees also brought the Epitaph to the village. A relic of incalculable monetary, artistic and intellectual value.” 
           The scholar said “another church of the village is the holy church of Agios Charalambos which is in Hassambali. This church is of Byzantine style. It collapsed in the earthquake of 1941. Agios Charalambos was rebuilt in 1943 with the style of a basilica and funding by all the inhabitants. There is also another small church, the church of the Ascension on Mount Mopsio, which was built with a donation from Skaliora and Meimaroglou. Much later, the church of Agios Georgios was built in the center of the present village after a dream in which the Saint presented himself to a man from Asia Minor and told him to build a church in his name.”

Agia Analipsi, Omorfohori

Dr. Papadopoulos narration is one of survival and rebirth. It is almost 100 years after the three thousand year old expulsion and genocide of the Greeks of Anatolia. The descendants remember. They honor their ancestors in their creation of modern communities in central Greece. Their love of the Greek language, culture and Greek Orthodox faith shaped modern Greece.

Dr. Isaak Papadopoulos

References

1. https://usa.greekreporter.com/2014/09/28/why-should-we-remember-the-asia-minor-catastrophe/
2. https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%9F%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%81%CF%86%CE%BF%CF%87%CF%8E%CF%81%CE%B9_%CE%9B%CE%AC%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%B1%CF%82

Links:

Remembering the Asia Minor Catastrophe: 2010 Christos Papoutsy Lecture

ttps://buk.gr/el/poli-perioxi/omorfohori