In a climate of deep emotion, historical responsibility and national memory, the scientific tribute entitled "70 years since the gallows", dedicated to the nine hanged heroes of EOKA, took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Sotiras Municipal District.
The event was organized on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the first hangings of the EOKA heroes and was co-organized by the “Modestos Pantelis” Cultural Foundation, the Fotis Pittas Museum and the EOKA Liberation Struggle Foundation 1955-1959, under the auspices of the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannetou. The event was attended by the Deputy Mayors of the Municipal Districts of Sotiras and Liopetri, Mr. Antonis Koumis and Markos Koumis, representatives of organizations and organized groups, educators, as well as relatives of the heroes.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, emphasized that the event is an act of honor, historical memory and national responsibility towards the heroes of EOKA, underlining that their sacrifice remains a timeless symbol of freedom, dignity and resistance. At the same time, he highlighted the importance of historical knowledge and the preservation of memory for the younger generations, calling especially on young people to know their history and serve the values of freedom, democracy and responsibility.
For her part, the President of the “Modestos Pantelis” Cultural Foundation, Mrs. Andri Modestos Paraskeva, noted that the tribute is part of the Foundation’s core mission to preserve and highlight historical memory and especially the struggle of EOKA. She emphasized that there is a duty towards history and the heroes to preserve the truth and honor their sacrifice with respect, seriousness and consistency, while expressing warm thanks to all those who contributed to the realization of the event.
The President of the EOKA Liberation Struggle Foundation 1955-1959, Mr. Charalambos Alexandrou, in his greeting, praised the sacrifice of the nine hanged heroes, emphasizing the greatness of their souls and their selfless contribution to the homeland, while thanking the "Modestos Pantelis" Cultural Foundation and the Fotis Pittas Museum for their cooperation.
Of particular interest were the presentations of the speakers, who approached the sacrifice of the heroes of the gallows from a historical, literary and anthropological perspective.
Associate Professor of Modern Greek History at the University of Cyprus, Dr. Petros Papapolyviou, presented aspects of the life, actions and last moments of the nine hanged heroes of EOKA, while highlighting the colonial cruelty and the reactions that the executions provoked in Cyprus, Greece and abroad.
Modern Hellenist and academic Dr. Kyriakos Ioannou highlighted the way in which the sacrifice of the heroes inspired Cypriot and Greek literature, presenting literary works and poetic references that captured their heroism and martyrdom.
Historian Aikaterini Papaioannou focused on the letters of the heroes of the gallows, analyzing their spiritual greatness, faith, dignity and strength of soul that is reflected in their last writings from the cells of their future deaths.
A different tone was given to the event by the scholar and performer of the Cypriot musical tradition, Mr. Michalis Hadjimichael, with the song to the nine Hanged Men, for which he wrote the lyrics and music.
At the end of the event, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District of Liopetri, Mr. Markos Koumis, and the President of the "Modestos Pantelis" Cultural Foundation, Ms. Andri Modestos Paraskeva, presented commemorative mementos to the families of the hanged heroes, in a particularly moving moment that closed the tribute with feelings of honor and deep gratitude.
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