The exhibition titled "Memories of Romiosyne - Wound of Uprooting. In Parallel,"is organized by the "Saint Epiphanios" Cultural Academy and presented as part of the centennial commemoration of the Asia Minor catastrophe.
The unique outdoor photography exhibition is hosted at various locations in the non-occupied Famagusta district, from October 2022 to April 2023. The exhibition connects visitors with photographic depictions related to the events, which unfold the overarching theme of the uprooting of the Romiosyne (Greek Orthodox Christian heritage) and the wounds preceding and following it. Displayed side by side, the photographs create associative links between place and time, allowing for an exploration of the themes of displacement and the wounds of Romiosyne, along with the specific issues of invasion, looting, captivity, destruction, desecration, refugee displacement, pain, anxiety, hope, and memory.
Selected reproductions of newspaper front pages and articles, presented in the exhibition, aim to highlight the accuracy of the events. These reproductions serve as historical evidence, reinforcing the authenticity of the narrative and offering a direct connection to contemporary accounts of the events. Parts of a historical testimony from the year 1914 are used as evidence of the cyclical nature, the repetition, and the continuous presence of the past, highlighting the parallel trajectory of Romiosyne and the wounds it has endured and continues to endure. These elements serve to emphasize the recurring struggles and challenges faced by the Greek Orthodox community throughout history, demonstrating how past events remain ever-present and relevant in shaping the ongoing narrative of resilience and suffering.
The aim of the exhibition is to offer an emotional journey of remembrance, highlighting the shared experiences and common wounds of Romiosyne. At the same time, it seeks to stir collective memory, urging reflection on the enduring and recurring historical struggles faced by this community. The exhibition serves as a medium for connecting the past with the present, invoking the collective memories that define the identity and cultural heritage of Romiosyne. he exhibition seeks not only to evoke memory but also to engage visitors in a meaningful way, allowing them to reflect on the shared history and experiences of Romiosyne, while becoming part of the narrative themselves through interactive participation. This approach transforms the exhibition from a passive viewing experience into an immersive and personal journey of discovery and remembrance.
Detailed information about the exhibits is available throughqr codes. The exhibition's material was retrieved from printed editions, repositories of libraries, and open-access collections. Additional content was graciously provided under specific licenses from various photographic archives, including those of the Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek Literary and Historical Archive of the National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation, the Benaki Museum, the David E. Moore rare photograph collection at Columbia University, New York, the Holy Metropolis of Constantia and Famagusta, as well as from the personal photographic archive of Christodoulos Hatzichristodoulou and the research archive of Odysseas Christou—1974 Testimonies and Evidence.
The exhibition is also available in the form of a short film.
Exhibition curation:
Christina Kakkoura (PhD) for "Saint Epiphanios" «Cultural Academy» 2022.
Location: Paralimni, Agios Georgios square & Larnaca, Agios Georgios Kontos centre
Duration: October 2022 - April 2023
Free entrance
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