With particular honor and emotion, the presentation of Pantelis Nikolas' book "Kakoli", entitled "Liopetri II: Toponyms of the Administrative Boundaries of Liopetri and its World", took place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the "Georgos Seferis" Cultural Center in Ayia Napa.
The event was held in the presence of the President of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Annita Dimitriou, the Member of Parliament for Famagusta, Mr. George Karoulas, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannettos, the Deputy Mayors of the Municipal Districts of Liopetri, Sotiras, Avgorou and Achna, Messrs. Markos Koumis, Antonis Koumis, Panagis Michaelas and Nikos Vasilas, members of the Municipal Council, representatives of the Local Government, the family of the honoree, friends, relatives and a large number of citizens.
The book is an important contribution to the preservation and promotion of the historical memory, local tradition and cultural identity of Liopetri, through the recording of the place names of its administrative boundaries and the experiences associated with them. As was highlighted during the event, place names are not simply names on a map, but living points of memory, history, human labor, social life and collective identity.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, emphasized that the presentation of the book is an act of institutional honor towards a man who served his place with authenticity, love, experiential knowledge and deep respect for the land, the people and the history of Liopetri.
The Mayor underlined that, especially after the Local Government Reform, such publications acquire even greater importance, as Ayia Napa, Liopetri, Sotira, Avgorou and Achna now form a single Municipality with a rich and multi-layered identity. As he mentioned, this unity acquires substantial content when it is based on respect for the particular history, memory and physiognomy of each Municipal District.
Special mention was made of the life and long-standing contribution of Pantelis Nikolas "Kakolis" by the Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District of Liopetri, Mr. Markos Koumis. The honoree was born in Liopetri on December 12, 1933 and from a young age was associated with rural life, literature, tradition and popular Cypriot poetry. In 1956, he emigrated to England, where he developed rich cultural and community activities, especially in Manchester, contributing substantially to the preservation of the Greek language, faith, identity and education of the diaspora.
His love for Liopetri was captured in ten poetry collections, as well as in works of historical and folkloric recording, with his masterpiece “Liopetri”. Today, at the age of 93, he continues to write and express with authenticity, sensitivity and clarity his memories, thoughts and experiences through folk poetry.
In his speech, the Member of Parliament for Famagusta, Mr. George Karoullas, carried out a geographical analysis of the place names of Liopetri, highlighting the importance of geographical and spatial science, as well as its connection with the human presence, creation and evolution of the place.
For her part, the President of the House of Representatives, Ms. Annita Dimitriou, highlighted the historical importance of Mr. Kakoli's research work, as well as the particular value of his books in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage to new generations.
During the event, family reports were presented by the honoree's grandchildren, Mr. Elias Nikolas Tsigos and Mrs. Sofia Nikolas Tsigos, while an audiovisual tribute dedicated to the life, career, experiences and contribution of Pantelis Nikolas "Kakoli" was shown. This was followed by a recitation by the honoree and the presentation of an honorary plaque, as a sign of appreciation and gratitude for his long-standing contribution to the recording, preservation and promotion of the history, experiences, place names and cultural heritage of Liopetri.
The event was artistically supported by Theodoulos Papageorgiou on lute and singing, Panagiotis Anglogallos on violin and singing, and Elena Papageorgiou on santouri and singing.
The Municipality of Ayia Napa expresses its warm thanks to the President of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Annita Dimitriou, for her presence, to all the official guests, the family of the honoree, the artists, the contributors to the event and the audience who honored this important evening of memory, culture and local self-awareness with their presence.
Pantelis Nikolas' work "Kakoli" is a valuable legacy for future generations and reminds us that the history of a place is written not only through major events, but also through the words, paths, fields, neighborhoods and memories of its people.
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