The 3rd Scientific Conference entitled "Achna... place, history, culture, people", organized by the Achna Cultural Association "Kyriakos Hatzioannou", was held with great success on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Achna Forest Events Hall.
The conference was a substantial scientific and cultural intervention, confirming the importance of studying and highlighting the local history and collective memory of Achna.
In his opening remarks, the President of the Association, Mr. Pantelis Voutouris, emphasized that the organization of the conference is part of a long-standing effort to record and highlight the history and culture of Achna, underlining the importance of bringing lesser-known personalities of the community back to the fore. As he stated, this is an act of memory, faith and continuity, while he also announced the intention to publish the proceedings of all three conferences, which will capture the historical and cultural wealth of the region.
The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, in his greeting, emphasized that the conference is an essential act of remembrance, knowledge and respect for the history of Achna, which is highlighted through the presentations of distinguished speakers, illuminating important aspects of local history, education, rural life, social organization and Achna's contribution to national struggles.
Mr. Zannetou praised the work of the scientific and organizational committee, as well as the speakers, noting that such initiatives strengthen collective memory and highlight local history as a living element of identity and continuity. At the same time, he underlined the need to preserve and transmit historical knowledge to younger generations, expressing the firm support of the Municipality of Ayia Napa in actions that promote historical self-awareness and cultural heritage.
He also expressed warm thanks to the scientific committee for its guidance and contribution to the shaping of the conference, as well as to the organizing committee for the excellent organization.
At the same time, he congratulated all the speakers for their research and presentations, emphasizing that with their work they illuminate important aspects of the historical course of Achna.
For his part, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District of Achna, Mr. Nikos Vasilas, thanked everyone who contributed to the organization of the three conferences, while expressing his satisfaction with the establishment of the Achna Cultural Club, during the time when he served as Community Leader. Due to the refugee crisis, he said, everything that existed in Achna was lost and the local authority had nothing related to its history. In the main village of the Famagusta district, there is a rich history, which the Cultural Club is called upon to highlight, not only for the last centuries but also for antiquity.
The conference program included presentations by renowned and young scientists, with topics covering the historical path of Achna, social and rural life, education, culture, as well as presentations dedicated to important but lesser-known personalities of the community. The presentations were based on scientific research and highlighted the wealth and timeless contribution of Achna to national struggles.
The 3rd Scientific Conference confirmed the decisive role of scientific research in highlighting local history and cultural identity, leaving a significant legacy for the preservation of the collective memory of Achna.
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