Greeks, Cypriots revive roots in Egypt

CAIRO – 30 April 2018: Egypt, Greece and

Cyprus

have historical relations that have been documented in music, cinema and literature for several decades. For a whole week, starting Monday, under the title “Roots Revival Week”, the three countries are going to recall their memories through several events.

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos are expected to inaugurate Roots Revival Week on Monday, April 30, in Alexandria governorate, with the participation of both the Greek and Cypriot communities in Egypt.


Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades during a meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus November 21, 2017 - REUTERS_Yiannis Kourto

The communities’ members are expected to visit several historical and important places around Egypt, including Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Ras Al Tin Marine Base, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the Greek Cemeteries, Alexandria National Museum, Cavafy Museum, the Monastery of St. Sava and the Arab Academy for Science and Technology in Alexandria. Later, the two communities’ members are also expected to travel to Cairo and Giza to visit the Pyramids, and then they will head to Sharm el-Sheikh to visit the monastery of St. Catherine.

“Roots Revival Week” is considered to be the first initiative of its kind, which aims to recall the memories and heritage of Egypt, Greece and Cyprus. According to Egypt’s Minister of Immigration Nabila Makram, this program salutes everyone who once lived in Egypt and left a positive impact and human heritage that still lasts until now. “Everyone was always welcomed to come and live in Egypt and they still are,” Makram said in statements to media outlets.

Reviving of the joint memories of the three nations will also include producing a radio program that will include several testimonials and stories from officials, Greek and Cypriot community members, and experts in history and sociology.

This triple summit that will take place in Alexandria on Monday is considered to be part of the three leaders’ agreements during

their meeting in Nicosia

last year. The meeting saw several issues discussed, including relations between the three countries on all levels.

A lot of Greeks and Cypriots used to live in Egypt for decades; however, for several political, economic and social reasons, they left the country and headed back to their homes by the end of the 1970s. The effects and impact that Greeks left in Cairo and Alexandria in particular are still clearly noticeable through their buildings, architecture, famous stores, music, cinema, literature and unforgettable memories.

Roots Revival Week is expected to end by May 6.


The Greek Club in Alexandria – Photo courtesy of Facebook